Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II is set to begin its third consecutive MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs campaign with an away match against New England Revolution II on Sunday, October 19, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The team returns to the postseason after achieving a record 12 victories in the 2025 season. Chicago Fire FC II led MLS NEXT Pro in goals scored this year, registering 69 goals, which is the second highest total in league history. The team’s top scorer, Jason Shokalook, contributed 20 goals and secured Chicago’s second straight Golden Boot award. Shokalook ended the regular season in strong form, scoring in four consecutive matches, including three multi-goal games. For his performance, he was named the league’s Player of the Month for September.

New England Revolution II, seeded third in the Eastern Conference, selected Chicago as their opponent in the league’s Pick-Your-Opponent format for the first round. In their three meetings this season, New England holds one victory while the other two matches ended in draws. New England’s attack is led by midfielder Marcos Dias, who was named MLS NEXT Pro Playmaker of the Year and set a league record with 13 assists in 2025.

Chicago Fire FC II finished the season with a record of 12-9-7-5 and 48 points. New England Revolution II ended with a 14-7-7-5 record and 54 points. The all-time MLS NEXT Pro regular season record between the two teams stands at 2-3-5-2 in favor of New England.

Chicago’s discipline on the field was notable, as the team received only 33 yellow cards and committed 301 fouls—the fewest cautions and fourth fewest fouls in the league. This helped maintain a consistent lineup throughout the season.

Midfielder Trip Fleming had a productive season, playing in multiple roles and finishing third on the team with eight goals. He was also second in minutes played, appearances, and starts. In the last match against New England, Fleming played left back for the first time from the start and wore the captain’s armband. He scored his eighth goal of the season on a penalty kick and contributed to securing an extra point in the shootout.

The playoff match between Chicago Fire FC II and New England Revolution II will kick off at 5 p.m. CT and will be available to watch globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.