Chicago Fire FC aim to end nine-game winless run at Yankee Stadium vs NYCFC

Quick turnarounds can help many teams move past unfortunate results, and Chicago Fire FC are hoping that’s the case when they take the pitch at Yankee Stadium against NYCFC on July 25.

The Chicago Fire (8-2-5, 26 points, 4th in Eastern Conference) are looking to bounce back in the Bronx after a frustrating midweek 3-2 loss to Inter Miami in Florida. In that match, the Fire were their own worst enemy, making mistakes that directly contributed to each of Miami’s three goals. The loss overshadowed new Chicago Fire signing Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut, where the Polish forward was largely held in check during his 61 minutes on the pitch at NU Stadium.

Despite the excitement surrounding Lewandowski’s debut exceeding the result on the pitch, the Chicago Fire’s braintrust isn’t concerned about one lackluster performance from their new number nine amidst a double matchweek.

“Today, you could see there was rust,” Chicago Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter said after the loss to Miami. “We weren’t at our best. We lacked some sharpness, maybe physical sharpness, as well. We lost too many easy passes. And all that’s going to come.

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“I know we all want things to be perfect right away, but it’s a work-in-progress and as we start to get the guys in more rhythm, as Robert starts to get more fit, I think you’re going to start to see some nice things.”

Everyone in MLS has played on a baseball field at some point, and Lewandowski will get his first real test of MLS heritage on Saturday evening when he takes the pitch at Yankee Stadium. He will be charged with leading the Chicago Fire’s frontline against a NYCFC side that has had Chicago’s number since entering Major League Soccer 11 years ago.

The Chicago Fire are without a win in their last nine against NYCFC, dating back to 2021. Their last win over the Pigeons came on September 29 of that year, thanks to goals from Robert Beric and Federico Navarro.

It won’t be easy for the Chicago Fire in the Bronx. NYCFC are once again led by Designated Player and leading goalscorer Nicolás Fernández. The Argentine midfielder already has 15 goal contributions for NYCFC and has been at the center of their successes in 2026, which was on display when he scored from the penalty spot midweek in his side’s 2-1 win over the Crew in Columbus.

NYCFC also boasts USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese, who will be in net for his first match in front of the home crowd after dealing with jeers throughout his midweek appearance in Columbus.

For the Fire, they are likely to roll with a similar starting 11 as midweek in Miami due to Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s lingering lower leg injury. Robin Lod or Puso Dithejane are both candidates for extended minutes at the weekend, particularly after the latter was exceptional off the bench midweek as he collected his first MLS goal.

Chicago should also be looking for more from their starting forwards after they were limited to very little against Inter Miami’s makeshift back four.

This is one of those matches that the Chicago Fire need to get at least a result from if they want to be seen as serious contenders in 2026.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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