Chicago Fire FC defeated Charlotte FC

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Chicago Fire FC opened their four-game road trip with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium. The standout performer was midfielder Brian Gutiérrez, who scored twice and added an assist, playing a role in three of Chicago’s goals. Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel also found the back of the net, with the Fire earning their fourth road win of the season and matching Charlotte in the standings at 19 points.

The Fire dominated the first half, showing attacking intent with nine shots to Charlotte’s five. Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Gutiérrez assisted Bamba, who scored with a composed finish to give Chicago a 1-0 halftime lead. In the second half, Gutiérrez continued to shine, scoring from the edge of the box after a chaotic corner sequence. Just minutes later, he ignited a counterattack that ended with Zinckernagel scoring a third for Chicago.

Charlotte briefly responded through Patrick Agyemang in the 70th minute, but any hope of a comeback was dashed when Andrew Gutman won a penalty. Gutiérrez converted it confidently for his second goal of the match, sealing the 4-1 win. The result not only highlights the Fire’s growing attacking strength but also marks their most dominant away performance of the season, with a season-high 25 shots.

This match also had historical implications. Gutiérrez became the club’s top contributor under the age of 22 with 36 career goal contributions, surpassing Justin Mapp. Bamba’s goal was his first since early April, and his sixth assist of the season moved him into the top tier of league playmakers. Chicago now prepares for a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 matchup against New England Revolution on May 20, riding strong momentum into the clash.

Goals:
CHI – Bamba 42’
CHI – Gutiérrez 60’
CHI – Zinckernagel 64’
CLT – Agyemang 70’
CHI – Gutiérrez (Penalty) 79’

Discipline:
CHI – Rogers (Yellow Card) 8’
CHI – Pineda (Yellow Card) 24’
CLT – Westwood (Yellow Card) 77’
CLT – Biel (Yellow Card) 90+7’

Venue: Bank of America Stadium

Attendance: 29,755

Referee: Ismir Pekmic
Assistant Referees: Justin Howard, Matthew Nelson
Fourth Official: Alyssa Nichols
VAR: Kevin Terry, Jr.
AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert