BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (May 9, 2025) – Chicago Fire FC II returns to SeatGeek Stadium in a Friday matinee against FC Cincinnati 2.
The Fire are hoping for a repeat of their last home performance, a 5-1 victory against Orlando City B last Friday night at Flames Field in Chicago. Five different players scored their first goals of the season in an unanswered fashion after an opening goal from Orlando. The effort also saw the Fire named MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 8.
Cincinnati will hope to continue a three-game unbeaten streak on Friday, following a 0-0 draw at home against Atlanta United 2 on April 27. Goalkeeper Paul Walters only needed to make one save in the defensive showdown, but he also made one crucial stop in the ensuing shootout that gave the Orange and Blue an additional point.
Friday’s match will be Chicago Fire II’s second against Cincinnati in 2025. Their last meeting was also the Orange and Blue’s last loss, a 2-1 victory for the Fire that saw Claudio Cassano score his first goal with Chicago. The result increased Chicago’s all-time lead in the series to 5-1-3-1 in nine matches against Cincinnati.
By the Numbers
2 – When Orlando earned a penalty kick in first half stoppage time on Friday, the visitors thought they might equalize the match going into the break. But Chicago Fire Academy goalkeeper Patrick Los thought otherwise. He saved Shak Mohammed’s effort, giving him two penalty kick saves this season. It also made him the only goalkeeper with two such saves this season, giving him the league lead in the category.
3 – Chicago Fire II and FC Cincinnati 2 have met a total of three times at SeatGeek Stadium. Whereas the Fire have had a substantial advantage in Cincinnati, games have been far more tense in Bridgeview. In those three games, the Fire have a 1-0-2-0 lead, winning their first all-time meeting 3-1 on May 15, 2022. But the Orange and Blue had better luck the next two times, managing draws and shootout wins both times. Chicago will hope to replicate the road form at home on Friday.
7 – Chicago Fire Academy midfielder Bryce Richards has appeared in all seven matches this year for Chicago, scoring a goal along the way. Impressively, all the apperances have come off the bench for Chicago Fire II, making him one of only three players to have as many substitute appearances in all of MLS NEXT Pro.
Player Spotlight: Peter Soudan
Peter Soudan (#53) warms up prior to the match against Orlando City B (Barbara Calabrese | Chicago Fire FC)
Chicago Fire Academy midfielder Peter Soudan has thrived as a regular at right back for Chicago Fire II. Although he played a handful of matches at the defensive position in 2024, it was not until this season that the Western Springs, Ill. native really found a home on the right flank of the backline.
Soudan really showcased his development in Chicago’s 5-1 victory against Orlando City B last Friday. Looking for Jason Shokalook in the box, the right back struck a pass that went through the forward’s legs and into the goal for his first of the season. Afterwards, Soudan served two balls into the box that led to goals to seal the deal for the Fire.
The current assist leader for the second team, Soudan has a knack for causing defenses problems, be it as an attacking midfielder or as fullback. His match against Orlando was only a preview of what may come the rest of the season.
How to Watch
Kickoff at SeatGeek Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT, with gates opening an hour prior for all fans. Match entry and parking as free. The match can be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
