CHICAGO (Sept. 27, 2025) – Chicago Fire (14-11-6, 48 points) posted a second consecutive clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Columbus Crew (13-8-11, 50 points) Saturday night at Soldier Field. The victory lifted Chicago to a five-point lead over the New York Red Bulls for ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Defender Andrew Gutman tallied his third goal of the season and eventual game-winner, while forward Hugo Cuypers added his 17th goal of 2025.

The Fire started hot, securing the larger share of possession and shots in the first half. But it was a defender who opened the scoring in the 25th minute, when Gutman bent the ball into the far side of the goal. The hosts saw further looks, but a pair of disallowed goals kept the score at 1-0 going into the break.

Chicago continued the aggressive play in the second half and added another one in the 70th minute. André Franco advanced the ball forward, spotting Cuypers on his right. The Portuguese midfielder threaded a ball to the Belgian striker, who took a touch before finishing from the right side for the 2-0 lead. Columbus could not muster...