CHGO Chicago Fire Podcast

The Chicago Fire split their last two matches since the last show. First, in a deja vu of last year, they blew at late lead at home vs DC United and came up empty in a frustrating performance. Then, on the road in Philadelphia, they took the lead twice and held it the second time to take 3 points from the hapless Union in a game that saw the return of Andrew Gutman but an early exit for Philip Zinckernagel. One thing that was the same: Hugo Cuypers of course scored in both games! What have we learned about the 2026 Fire so far? How do we feel about this team that is so consistently inconsistent? Alex and Joe Chatz of WLS/On Tap Sports net discuss on this edition of CHGO Fire Podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Fire Football Club broke ground today for their new stadium site at The 78! CHGO Fire host, Alex Campbell attended the event and will discuss this historic day for Chicago Soccer! An ALLCITY Network Production Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Somehow, the 2026 Major League Soccer Season is upon us! After looking back last episode at the Fire’s offseason, we recap and look for takeaways from their preseason trips to Florida and Coachella. How does the Fire’s depth chart shake out with meaningful games less than a week away? Who will be the Fire’s top performers this year? Where do/will they stack up in MLS? Can anybody reasonably compete with Messi’s Miami? We’re building up to First Kick weekend and the Fire’s opener in Houston on this edition of CHGO Fire! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At long last, the Chicago Fire return to warm up Chicago soccer fans from this brutally cold winter and they’ve hoping to build on a strong 2025 season! Brian Gutierrez and Kellyn Acosta are gone, but there’s several exciting arrivals including Mbekezeli Mbokazi from South Africa and Anton Saletros from Sweden. Will Robert Lewandowski join them this summer? Lots to catch up on as winter break ends with the start of the 5th season of the CHGO Fire Podcast An ALLCITY Network Production Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Wooden Spoon ‘winners’ to returning to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, 2025 was a year of substantial improvement for the Chicago Fire. In Gregg Berhalter’s first season as sporting director and head coach, the team made huge strides as returning players found new life, new additions shined, and young players were given the opportunity to prove their worth. Off the field, the new Endeavor Health Performance Center opened and the team secured all approvals needed to begin construction on a new downtown stadium. While the season ended in a tough home playoff loss, there were certainly more positives than negatives. Now the Fire head into the offseason, which is already underway with the permanent signing of Andre Franco and acquisition of Swedish international midfielder Anton Saletros. What do those moves mean for the Fire, and where else do they need to add to the squad to continue this year’s upward trajectory? Alex is joined by Joe Chatz and Tim Hotze to cover all that and more, as well as handout some superlatives, on this season finale of CHGO Fire Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter Saturday night’s 3-0 loss at home to the Philadelphia Union was not at all how the Chicago Fire would have liked for their season to end. After battling back to a draw in Game 2 in Philadelphia, the Fire were flattened in the opening minutes at SeatGeek Stadium as stand-in goalkeeper Jeff Gal made two crucial errors that led to Union goals. Brian Gutierrez missed a penalty, the game had to be halted due to homophobic chanting, and it was generally a miserable evening in Bridgeview. We recap the bad and the worse of it, then try to find some silver linings. Also, the offseason just started and the Fire might have already made their first signing of the winter?! Alex is joined by Chicago Fire Radio’s Max Anderson on this final game of the season episode of CHGO Fire An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter It’s the hope that kills you. After going down 2-0 in Chester, PA on Sunday night in a game they played without star man Philip Zinckernagel the Chicago Fire fought back to equalize and force penalties in Game 1 of their Round 1 series with the Philadelphia Union. After he scored against his old club in stoppage time to send the game to a shootout, Jack Elliott was one of two Fire players to miss their spot kicks and Philly escaped with the win. Next Saturday’s Game 2 at SeatGeek Stadium is now a must win for the Fire to force a decisive Game 3. Alex is joined by John Thornton, host of Men In Red 97 Media’s ‘The Bonfire’ to break down the emotional rollercoaster of last night and set the scene for Saturday’s suburban showdown. An ALLCITY Network Production SUBSCRIBE TO THE EIGHTY FIVE WITH COLE KMET: https://www.youtube.com/@The85WithColeKmet ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports BUY MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/chgo-locker FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Twitter: @CHGO_Sports Instagram: @CHGO_Sports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Hall of Fame App: Get a 7-Day Free Trial + 50% Off your first month with code CHGO. Just download the HOF app on iOS and Android or visit www.hofbets.com, enter code CHGO, and you’re all set. #ad Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

They did it! The Chicago Fire won their first postseason game since 2009, defeating Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night at SeatGeek Stadium thanks to goals from homegrown Brian Gutierrez and star striker Hugo Cuypers. Alex is joined by Alex Calabrese of MLSsoccer.com and Men In Red 97 to recap a fun night in the suburbs and a game the Fire completely dominated. But there’s not much time to relax, as the Fire now prepare for a best-of-three series with Supporters Shield winners the Philadelphia Union beginning on Sunday. Do the Fire have any chance to upset the top seed? How might they do it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter The regular season is over and the MLS Cup Playoffs are set! Decision Day wasn’t without its drama as the Fire left it late to secure a draw and hosting rights to Wednesday night’s Eastern Conference Wild Card Game. But was it a missed opportunity, or just emblematic of the Fire’s biggest strengths and weaknesses? Then we look ahead to tomorrow’s matchup with Orlando City, who come in without a win in a month and having struggled against the Men in Red this season. Alex is joined by two good friends of the show for this first ever postseason edition of CHGO Fire: Joe Chatz from On Tap SportsNet and Tim Hotze of Men in Red 97 Media. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter The long wait is finally over: the Chicago Fire are headed back to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017! The Fire booked their ticket to the postseason in style with a 5-3 thrilling win in Miami over Messi and Friends following a dominant 2-0 home win over the Columbus Crew. Meanwhile, Philip Zinckernagel broke Nemanja Nikolic’s 2017 club record for goal contributions in a season as he reached 29 on 14 goals and 15 assists with one match still to play thanks to assisting both of Jack Elliot’s goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Toronto FC. To what to the Fire owe their change in fortune? How much credit to Berhalter, Zinckernagel and others deserve? What should the expectations be for this team when the playoffs begin in two weeks? Alex is joined by Matt Doyle of MLSsoccer.com and AppleTV’s MLS coverage to survey the Fire’s strong season so far. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a change in formation to a back 3 and a 3-0 win up north in St. Paul, the Chicago Fire look an increasingly strong bet to qualify for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs in one of the wild card spots. Why did the tactical changeup from Gregg Berhalter work? Will we see more of it? How is the Eastern Conference playoff picture shaping up with the 9 teams all but settled? What about out West? Alex is joined by Minnesota’s own Jeff Rueter of The Athletic and Total Soccer Show to discuss those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter The summer transfer window for Major League Soccer shut this week, and the Fire got deals done for a new number 10 and a couple of defenders while Carlos Teran departed for Brazil. Are the Fire better off after the changes? And after a wild back and forth win over St. Louis, only one side scored the goals in Philly on Saturday as the Fire were flattened 4-0. How worried should we be about what we saw, and where does that leave things with less than 2 months of the regular season to go? Alex is joined by Joe Chatz of On Tap Sports Net to review another busy couple of weeks as the Fire try to hold on to the hope of breaking their playoff drought. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter With no Leagues Cup, the Fire got a week off following wins over Montreal and the Red Bulls. In the meantime, the Fire have made some roster moves and are looking to make additions to boost their playoff odds. Alex and Alex Calabrese of Men in Red 97 Media and MLSsoccer.com check on where things stand for the Fire, and what we can expect them to do in the market. Then, they’re joined by LAFC radio voice Dave Denholm ahead of this week’s visit by the Black and Gold to Soldier Field to look ahead to the match and discuss the biggest MLS move of the summer: Son Heung-Min’s transfer to LAFC from Tottenham. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary: Head to https://sunnyside.shop and use code ‘HICHGO’ at checkout for 50% off your first 3 online orders on our favorite brands like Cresco, Good News, & more to elevate your first purchase! Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary -Bright buys, every day. Only for 21+ or IL medical card holders Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s been quite a mix of good and bad in recent weeks, even by the Chicago Fire’s usual erratic standards! Philip Zinckernagel continues to impress, setting records in a history-making first season that will deservedly see him represent the team at this week’s All Star Game. At the opposite end of things, Omar Gonzalez effectively knocked the Fire out of the Open Cup when he appeared to try and knock out Minnesota’s Julian Gressell. Throw in another heartbreaking late goal to drop points and actually dominating a terrible team like you’re supposed to and it’s been a full few weeks! Plus, Alex along with Joe Chatz of On Tap Sportsnet take your questions! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter The Chicago Fire just wrapped up another strange homestand, as two dour and goalless performances vs Nashville and Philly were followed up by a 3-2 win over Charlotte that lifted the Fire into a playoff position. The most consistent thing has been Philip Zinckernagel, who was named to the MLS All Star roster and continued his historic first season with the club with a goal and assist this weekend. He also got married! Before we get to the games though, Alex is joined by former Fire and current Apple and Fox broadcaster Tyler Terens to talk about juggling MLS and the Gold Cup, Canada going out on penalties, and his thoughts on the Fire’s season so far. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary: Head to https://sunnyside.shop and use code ‘HICHGO’ at checkout for 50% off your first 3 online orders on our favorite brands like Cresco, Good News, & more to elevate your first purchase! Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary -Bright buys, every day. Only for 21+ or IL medical card holders Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Fire just had their best week in a long time! Maybe ever? A road win in Orlando powered by a Hugo Cuypers brace, the announcement of a new stadium, Chris Brady is going to the Gold Cup, and a barnstorming blowout of DC United featuring a hat trick by Tom Barlow of all people! Alex is joined by Fire radio broadcaster Max Thoma to enjoy all the good news and good vibes ahead of this week’s Stars/Fire doubleheader at Soldier Field! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At long last! After months of whispers and not so subtle hints, the Chicago Fire on Tuesday morning unveiled their plans for a 22,000 seat, privately funded, soccer-specific stadium in Chicago’s South Loop. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the expectation it will be completed ahead of the 2028 MLS season. What does this mean for the Fire? For Chicago sports? Alex is joined by CHGO Cubs contributor and WGN Radio’s Kevin Wells to react to and break down the news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week started well for the Fire, with a dominant 4-1 win on the road against Charlotte FC powered by two goals and an assist for Brian Gutierrez. It ended Sunday with a 1-0 lead that turned into a 3-1 loss to NYCFC at Yankee Stadium in large part due to Gutierrez elbowing an opponent in the face and being sent off. This will be the second time he’s been suspended this season, and by the end of the suspension he will have missed seven matches due to either suspension, injury or national team duty. What do we make of the enigma that is Guti? Also, the Fire advanced in the Open Cup and we now know their path to a potential record breaking fifth title. Can they do it? Should it be prioritized over the league? Alex is joined by Kiril Anastasov of Chicago Sports Nation for all that and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Fire played three home games in the last week and came away with two wins and a draw! What can we learn from the red-card tainted draw with Orlando, Open Cup demolition of Detroit, and long-awaited home breakthrough vs Atlanta? Plus, is Kevin De Bruyne headed for a different city known for its pizza? And how are the Fire’s kids doing these days? It’s an ‘Alex and Alex Show’ as Alex Calabrese of Men in Red 97 Media is in studio to chat about all of that! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Fire have played three games since our last show: an entertaining draw vs Messi and friends, a sloppy and crazy 3-2 loss to Cincinnati, and an humiliating blowout at the hands of Gregg Berhalter’s former assistant B.J. Callaghan and Nashville SC. What’s gone wrong, what’s not working, and what can we conclude after 10 games? Then, the Chicago grassroots soccer community, Edgewater Castle FC President and General Manager Andrew Swanson joins the show to talk about the team’s new podcast ‘Stone By Stone,’ promotion and relegation and the state of the lower-division landscape. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary: Head to https://sunnyside.shop and use code ‘HICHGO’ at checkout for 50% off your first 3 online orders on our favorite brands like Cresco, Good News, & more to elevate your first purchase! Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary -Bright buys, every day. Only for 21+ or IL medical card holders Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Become a CHGO Diehard for just $4 a month! http://allchgo.com/intro-offer-youtube The third time’s the charm… right? On Sunday afternoon, the Fire welcome Inter Miami to Soldier Field for a third time since Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS and he might actually play this time! The Fire are a better team in years past, though beset by injuries. Miami after a disappointing draw against Toronto have CONCACAF Champions Cup to deal with first this week. Alex is joined by two broadcasters who will call the action: Fire radio voice on WLS AM 890 Max Thomas, and Inter Miami radio voice on ESPN West Palm Ken LaVicka. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary: Head to https://sunnyside.shop and use code ‘HICHGO’ at checkout for 50% off your first 3 online orders on our favorite brands like Cresco, Good News, & more to elevate your first purchase! Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary -Bright buys, every day. Only for 21+ or IL medical card holders Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Since our last show, the Chicago Fire went on a three-game road trip and returned to Chicago with a maximum nine points! Led by goal-a-game striker Hugo Cuypers, the Fire now sit tied for second place in the Eastern Conference despite continuing to deal with injuries and absences. Alex breaks down the last few weeks and what Gregg Berhalter has this team doing so right, before being joined by Joe Lowery of Backheeled and the Total Soccer Show to discuss his Hugo Cuypers stock increasing in value, Berhalter’s success amid USMNT struggles, and the biggest takeaways from the first month of the MLS season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast is back and the Fire are two games into the Gregg Berhalter era! How’s that going so far and what can be taken from just 180 minutes of soccer? Also, the Fire officially unveiled their brand new, state-of-the-art training center and it is pretty spectacular. Alex is joined by good friends of the show Joe Chatz and Tim Hotze for a jam packed 2025 debut. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join the DIEHARDS for just $4 a month! https://www.allchgo.com/intro-offer-youtube The long-running disaster that was the 2024 Chicago Fire season has finally come to an end, culminating in an abysmal home performance over the weekend to solidify this as the worst season by record in team history. Alex Campbell is joined by Joe Chatz to briefly eulogize, before they move on to discuss comments by Fire owner Joe Mansueto and new Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter at last Thursday’s press conference. Finally, a Chicago pro men’s soccer team won a playoff game… kind of. It's all happening now on the CHGO Fire Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After weeks of smoke and rumors, it's official: Former United States Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter is the Fire’s new Director of Football and head coach. Is hiring someone for both jobs a smart idea? What does this mean for the Fire? What happens next? Alex is joined by Alex Calabrese of Men in Red 97 Media for this Emergency Podcast to break down the big news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With two losses in their last three matches, the Chicago Fire have all but sealed a seventh consecutive season missing the playoffs despite MLS having a hilarious number of teams make the cut every year. Alex assesses the latest damage, what’s gone so wrong this time, and muses about a potential new era ahead. Then, Joe Lowery of Backheeled and the Total Soccer Show joins to discuss the Fire potentially hiring Gregg Berhalter and notable season storylines from around Major League Soccer. An ALLCITY Network Production SUBSCRIBE TO THE EIGHTY FIVE WITH COLE KMET: / @the85withcolekmet PARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://empiretoday.com/chgo for details. Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake! Ray Chevy: https://www.raychevrolet.com/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary: Head to https://sunnyside.shop and use code ‘HICHGO’ at checkout for 50% off your first 3 online orders on our favorite brands like Cresco, Good News, & more to elevate your first purchase! Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary -Bright buys, every day. Only for 21+ or IL medical card holders Presented by Coors Light. Official Domestic Beer Partner of Chicago Fire FC. Chicago, Choose Chill. Go to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer to get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At this point, watching the Chicago Fire feels like some sort of punishment. After being obliterated by Messi-less Miami in front of 55,000 spectators and Jason Derulo, a change of venue didn’t help as they lost to DC United in Bridgeview. Alex Campbell and Joe Chatz of OnTap Sports want to talk about those games as little as possible, so they take listener questions! Is there any hope for this team? Who deserves to be kept around? How long would a proper rebuild take? We try to provide some answers and optimism on the CHGO Fire Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He’s outta here! On Wednesday morning, the Chicago Fire announced they and Xherdan Shaqiri had mutually agreed to terminate the remainder of the Swiss international’s contract bringing to an end three underwhelming, well-paid years in Chicago. Alex is joined by Alex Calabrese of Men In Red 97, who initially broke the news, to look back on the now former designated player’s time in red (and navy) as the team looks ahead to the home stretch of the season and the promise of change this winter.*This podcast was recorded before the news broke that the Fire were trading for Ari Lassiter from CF Montreal* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The unthinkable and long-awaited has finally occurred! Monday morning, the Chicago Fire announced that Sporting Director Georg Heitz is stepping down from his position after this season having spend five years in charge of the club’s soccer operation. Alex reacts to the news, looks back at the highs and (mostly) lows of Heitz’s tenure, and ponders what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The break in MLS play for Leagues Cup is here, and the Chicago Fire are both barely out of the playoffs and barely out of last place. A win away to conference-leading Cincinnati was sandwiched by games that were disappointing for different reasons. Where does that leave things as the Fire travel to KC to kick off their part in the summer cash-grab? Also, has anyone seen Xherdan Shaqiri? Alex and Tim Hotze of MenInRed97 have all that to discuss and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just weeks after it felt hope had been restored, the Chicago Fire continue to barely flicker. Three losses in their last four, including an embarrassing loss to league-worst San Jose and only slightly helped by a crazy 4-3 win over Philadelphia have the Fire once again looking like one of MLS’ worst teams. Alex is joined by Joe Chatz to break down the games and explain what’s going on at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, Chris Brady is not going to France and nobody knows where Xherdan Shaqiri is going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Fire have won back-to-back games! The Fire won a game on the road! The Fire scored four goals in a game, including goals by Mauricio Pineda and Alan Arigoni?! The vibes are…good? Alex is joined by Alan Krolikowski to discuss what conclusions we can start to draw from the four games since the team’s tactical shift. Speaking of which, it sure seems like Shaqiri is gone; where would that leave the Fire’s roster? Also, we give out some mid-season superlatives! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It actually happened! For the first time in two months, the Chicago Fire won a soccer game! Even better, it was against an LA Galaxy team they hadn’t beaten in 14 years! Alex is joined by Nick Poteres of Glass House Soccer to revel in the rare moment of joy. There were two other games that happened since last show, both 1-1 draws and both less important. Meanwhile, Shaqiri might be gone, Brady and Gutierrez might not be going to Paris, and the Fire are playing a back three!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two more weeks gone, two more weeks without a win, three games lost and only two goals scored. The Chicago Fire continue to tailspin without a win in their last seven games now off to the worst start in team history. Alex is joined by Alex Calabrese to discuss yet another forgettable fortnight of Fire soccer. They then check in on the Fire’s second team and academy in search of reasons for optimism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the Chicago Fire looked to have hit rock bottom two weeks ago with a 4-0 home loss to Real Sal Lake, things have somehow gotten worse. Two more home games without a goal, a loss to the Eastern Conference’s worst team, and only a solitary point from the homestand have dug the Fire further and further deeper in. Alex flies solo on this one and takes questions from the CHGO Diehard Lounge and social media as everyone tries to comprehend yet another nadir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There is bad, and then there’s whatever the Fire were on Saturday night against Real Salt Lake. Following a home win vs Houston and drab away draw in New Jersey, did the Fire hit a new low this weekend at Soldier Field? Alex is joined by Matt Shabelman of Men In Red 97 to pick through the wreckage of that performance and evaluate the reactions it produced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A rain-soaked draw in New England and a hammering in Atlanta see the Fire return home looking extinguished. What went wrong on the road trip? What’s (still) not working? Who’s to blame? Should Frank Klopas’ seat be starting to get warm? How important is the Fire’s upcoming run of games with a lot at home? Meanwhile, the US Open Cup returns this week as Fire II (or maybe more accurately Fire 1.5) face Forward Madison. Alex is joined by CHGO Fire regular Joe Chatz to talk through it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Fire just won one of the weirdest games ever… but first! Alex is joined by Chicago Fire II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier ahead of Wednesday’s start to the US Open Cup, in which CF2 will take on Chicago USL League 2 side Chicago City SC. We discuss the opportunity this presents the team and in particular it’s young players, and what success looks like in this odd year for America’s oldest soccer competition. Then, Alex is joined by Guillermo Rivera to get into the last 2 games: a brief rundown of a classic Fire heartbreak in Columbus, then all the wild windy twists and turns of Saturday’s 4-3 chaos against Montreal at Soldier Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Fire returned home to Soldier Field this weekend back in red! Alex and guest co-host Nick Poteres of Glass House Soccer speak with Chicago Fire Vice President of Matchday Operations and Guest Experience Joey Colby-Begovich about his vision for Fire home games and some of the new things we saw on Saturday. As for something that wasn’t new, the Fire lost 2-1 to FC Cincinnati as a result of self-inflected mistakes while struggling to create chances. What went wrong? What might the solutions be? How does the difficult early schedule impact trying to make improvements? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2024 MLS Season begins tonight, with the Fire kicking off their year on Saturday night in Philadelphia against the Union. Alex is joined by Fire radio color commentator and former player Dasan Robinson to get you set for the return to action of the Men in Red. New kits, new players, and more! Then, J.P. from the PHLY Union podcasts joins to help preview this weekend’s season opener.An ALLCITY Network ProductionWATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS HERE: https://www.fubotv.com/chgoPARTY WITH US: https://bit.ly/3SRS03z ALL THINGS CHGO: https://linktr.ee/chgosports WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS: https://www.fubotv.com/chgo Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Instacart by going to https://coorslight.com/CHGOSoccer Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado.Visit http://chgo.cdone.com for affordable cleaning services near you - pick from an in-store or online pickup and delivery coupon options!Schedule a free in-home estimate today with Empire! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See https://EmpireToday.com/CHGO for details. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. https://shadyrays.com: use code ‘CHGO’ for 50% OFF 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses!Check out FOCO for merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/CHGO and use promo code “CHGO10” for 10% off your order on all non Pre Order items.When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Major League Soccer season is only a few weeks away, and it’s been an interesting last few weeks in the transfer and trade world for the Fire! New players in, a few players maybe heading out, and the Fire on the verge of the biggest signing in team history! Alex is joined by Joe Chatz of On Tap Sports and Tim Hotze of Men in Red 97 to discuss and react to all the recent news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After guiding the team through the second half of the 2023 MLS season as the interim head coach, the Chicago Fire announced today that for the second time in his coaching career they have promoted Frank Klopas from interim to full time ahead of next season. Alex is joined by On Tap Sports Net’s Joe Chatz and Men In Red 97 media’s Tim Hotze and Alex Calabrese to discuss the appointment, the process behind it, and what it says about the organization’s priorities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With a loss in New York on Decision Day, the Chicago Fire have missed out on the MLS Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. Alex is joined by Adnan Basic to recap the final game of the season, take stock of another disappointing year, and look ahead to the offseason and the changes it could (or could not) bring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following the ecstasy of the win over Miami in front of a Soldier Field and the agony of losing to Charlotte a few days later, the Chicago Fire entire the final matchday of the MLS season likely needing a win and some help to sneak it into the playoffs. What are the different scenarios as five teams fight for two spots in the Eastern Conference? Also, the MLS salaries for 2023 are out today, Brian Gutierrez and Chris Brady were both named in MLS’ ‘22 Under 22’ list for 2023, a few Fire players have been playing (or not) for their national teams, Djdorje Mihailovic wants to come back to Chicago, and an Open Cup Chicago derby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After grinding out a win over the weekend against New York Red Bulls, the Chicago Fire prepare to host Inter Miami in front of a potentially record crowd on Wednesday night at Soldier Field. However, Lionel Messi will not be in the building as he continues to be sidelined through injury. Alex is joined by Fire radio voice Max Thoma and Apple TV and Inter Miami broadcaster Chris Wittyngham to break down the Fire’s victory in New Jersey and take stock of the playoff race. Then, Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic, who has been all over the Messi beat, joins to evaluate the season for MLS’s new glamour club and what can be learned from both Messi’s displays and absences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After winning six of their final seven games preceding the League Cup break, the Chicago Fire have lost all four matches since returning to MLS play, falling outside the playoff picture and with no end to the decent in sight. Alex Campbell and Guillermo Rivera take a look at what went wrong against Vancouver and DC, and evaluate the state of the Fire’s roster as the season draws to a close. Then, they’re joined by MLS Insider Tom Bogert of The Athletic to discuss the biggest transfers in and out of MLS this summer following the closing of the European transfer window Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.