The FIRE defeats Orlando City on Round 1 of MLS PLAY OFFS

Chicago Fire FC began their 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoff campaign with a decisive 3-1 victory over Orlando City SC at SeatGeek Stadium. The win marked the club’s first postseason triumph since 2012 and their 22nd all-time playoff win. Homegrown midfielder Brian Gutiérrez opened the scoring early in the second half, netting Chicago’s first playoff goal in over a decade, before forward Hugo Cuypers added two more in his postseason debut.

The Fire’s offensive momentum came alive after halftime. Gutiérrez struck first in the 48th minute, controlling a lobbed pass from Jonathan Dean and firing a powerful shot past Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Just minutes later, Cuypers doubled the lead with a scrappy finish after pressing high in the box. His second goal in the 67th minute came from a smooth attacking sequence involving Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel, showcasing Chicago’s fluid teamwork and sharp finishing.

Orlando City managed a consolation goal from Tyrese Spicer in the final minute of regulation, but it wasn’t enough to threaten Chicago’s control of the match. With the victory, the Fire advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series against the 2025 Supporters’ Shield winners, the Philadelphia Union. The first leg will be played in Philadelphia on October 26, with the return match set for November 1 in Bridgeview, and a potential deciding third game on November 8 if needed.

Goals:
CHI – Gutiérrez 48’
CHI – Cuypers 57’
CHI – Cuypers 67’
ORL – Spicer 89’

Discipline:
CHI – Gutman (Yellow Card) 45’
ORL – Atuesta (Yellow Card) 58’
ORL – Schlegel (Yellow Card) 74’
ORL – Brekalo (Yellow Card) 90’ 

Attendance: 13,783

Location: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL

Referee: Drew Fischer
Assistant Referees: Ryan Graves, Walt Heatherly
Fourth Official: Rosendo Mendoza
VAR: Timothy Ford
AVAR: Tom Supple