An intense matchup between two rivals trying to rejuvenate their respective franchises names after about half a decade of rocky years, DC United and Chicago Fire will face off on May 25 in Audi Field, Washington D.C. at 12:30 A.M. GMT or 5:00 A.M. IST. Check out DC United vs Chicago Fire important players, standings, starting lineups, and key injuries to create a prediction for the matchup.
DC United vs Chicago Fire Preview
Another match in the Atlantic Cup in the Major League Soccer has arrived, as the DC United and Chicago Fire squads are ready for battle trying to create a positive trend. The last time the Fire went to the playoffs was 2017, while DC was two years after making their postseason droughts the longest. For DC United, their playoff drought could very easily end as their offense has come alive this season helping them stay ahead. Over the past 10 matches, DC United’s third year member Christian Benteke has scored 8 goals and been the uncharacteristic leader they have needed for years.
Although Benteke has single-handedly carried this team a multitude of times, youngsters like Cristian Dajome, a very important opening goal against Philadelphia Union on May 4, and Pedro Santos, game winning goal against Montreal on March 30th, have shown up when it matters most. The best youngster by far has been Jared Stroud as the 27 year-old from Chester, NJ keeps creating great chances with his 4 assists over the previous 4 appearances. He has helped Jackson Hopkins, who was struggling with yellow cards at the beginning, turn into a solid tone setter for full length passes.
On the other end, the Chicago Fire keep lacking quality in the development of their players and can’t find a way out of being the laughing stock of the MLS. With their leading scorer just having 3 goals, everyone has had to play more of a defensive role on their team. The few bright spots to their offense that can once again bring them to prominence include Kellyn Acosta, who had a magnificent game winning goal to get past Montreal on March 16th, and Brian Guiterrez, who finished a ball past the keeper in an upset victory over the Houston Dynamo.
All these are good signs as there is an understanding for players to create chances to score under pressure, but the Fire are going to need a huge game from striker Hugo Cupyers. As he is the top finisher on the team, Cupyers has a goal and 8 shots on goal during the three appearances. Him and an in-form midfielder/forward Fabian Herbers can create a really formidable duo giving this team a shot to score multiple goals every match.
DC United vs Chicago Fire Lineups
DC United Lineup
Alex Bono(Goalkeeper), Pedro Santos, Steve Birnbaum, Christopher McVey, Lucas Bartlett, Aaron Herrera(Defenders), Mateusz Klich, Jared Stroud, Jackson Hopkins(Midfielders), Ted Ku-DiPietro, Christian Benteke(Forwards)
DC United Injuries
Connor Antley(ACL), Russell Canouse(Ulcerative Colitis)
Chicago Fire Lineup
Chris Brady(Goalkeeper), Andrew Gutman, Rafael Czichos, Carlos Teran, Allan Arigoni(Defenders), Fabian Herbers, Kellyn Acosta, Brian Gutierrez, Xherdan Shaqiri, Chris Mueller(Midfielders), Hugo Cuypers(Forward)
Chicago Fire Injuries
Javier Casas(Leg), Chase Gasper(Upper leg), Tobias Salquist(MCL Injury)
DC United vs Chicago Fire Standings
DC United Record
An improvement from the previous four seasons, DC United find themselves in a playoff position at 9th in the East this year after the first 14 matches played. With over 20 games remaining, they have managed to nearly close on half their win total from the previous campaign already. Although DC has one of the highest goal scoring units in all of the MLS with 20, their goal differential currently stands at -4 due to their lack of defensive abilities leading to 24 goals allowed.
Chicago Fire Record
Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire have once again found themselves in the bottom 5 by regressing from the 12th position at the end of last season to currently 14th. A team that has continuously not been primed for success, they currently have only managed to win 2 matches in 14 total played. Of their appearances, 8 have resulted in loss, while having a -13 goal differential and being tied for 3rd fewest in goals across the whole league.
Head to Head Record
Known as the Atlantic Cup, DC United and the Chicago Fire have matched up 55 times throughout the course of history in one of the most well-known MLS rivalries. Although the Fire have the lead in victories over DC, it is by a very narrow margin of 28 to 26. This also includes 22 draws, showing how competitive these two teams get when it matters most.
DC United vs Chicago Fire Predictions
Heading into the midway point of the season, the Chicago Fire are just fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt, while the DC United team is currently in position to enter the postseason for the first time since 2019. This game will come down to the first team that comes out aggressively and attacks the other defense with the sense of it being a rivalry game not just for bragging rights, but for standings positions as well.
Our Prediction: DC United 3-1.
