Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty ↑46′ · Jorge Ruvalcaba ↑46′ · Mohammed Sofo ↑46′ · Omar Valencia ↑56′ · Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting ↑57′ · Cameron Harper ↑85′⚽ · Tim Parker · Nehuen Benedetti · John McCarthy · Rafael Mosquera · AJ Marcucci
Coach · Michael Bradley
Match Preview
Red Bull New York vs Chicago Fire FC Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-20 23:46 UTC
Red Bull New York and Chicago Fire clash at Sports Illustrated Stadium
The tactical battle at Sports Illustrated Stadium this Saturday will hinge on whether Red Bull New York can rediscover their clinical edge against a Chicago Fire side currently riding a wave of momentum. With both teams looking to assert control in this MLS matchday 21 encounter, the midfield duel will likely dictate the tempo of the game.
Tactical approaches and expected setups
Red Bull New York will be looking to stabilize their defensive structure following a difficult run of results. Their expected approach typically emphasizes high-intensity pressing, a hallmark of their system that aims to disrupt opponents in the middle third and transition quickly into attack.
Chicago Fire FC arrive at the venue with a different tactical profile, often prioritizing controlled build-up play. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure has been a key feature of their recent performances, and they will likely look to exploit any gaps left by the home side's aggressive defensive line.
Momentum and current form
The contrast in form between these two sides is stark as they prepare for this meeting. While Chicago Fire FC have strung together a series of victories, including a 2-1 win over Orlando City on 19 August, Red Bull New York are searching for a response after consecutive defeats in MLS, most recently falling 1-0 to Nashville SC on the same day.
Maintaining consistency has proven difficult for Red Bull New York throughout their recent schedule. Conversely, Chicago Fire FC have demonstrated a resilience that has allowed them to secure narrow victories, suggesting they are entering this match with significant confidence in their collective output.
Historical context and previous meetings
These two clubs are familiar opponents within the landscape of MLS. Their most recent encounter took place on 9 May 2026, where Red Bull New York secured a 3-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC, a result that highlights the competitive nature of their head-to-head history.
Looking further back at their meetings in 2025 and 2024, the fixtures have often been decided by fine margins. Both sides have experienced moments of success in this rivalry, ensuring that neither team will be taking the other lightly when they step onto the pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Key factors for the match
For Red Bull New York, the primary objective will be to break their current scoring drought and provide the home fans with a performance that mirrors their earlier season successes. Their ability to convert chances will be tested by a Chicago defense that has shown improved organization in recent weeks.
Chicago Fire FC will aim to continue their winning streak by neutralizing the hosts' pressing game. If they can successfully manage the transition phases and control the rhythm of the match, they will be well-placed to challenge for all three points in what promises to be a pivotal fixture for both teams.
Chicago Fire FC
4-3-3
● Confirmed
19
↓86′
Bamba
17
↓86′
Lod
11
↓65′
Zinckernagel
7
⚽
Haile-Selassie
22
↓87′
Pineda
47
↓65′
Williams
14
↓77′
Radojevic
16
Waterman
5
Rogers
2
Barroso
1
Brady
Bench (11)
Anton Saletros ↑65′ · Robert Lewandowski ↑65′ · Jonathan Dean ↑77′ · Jack Elliott ↑86′ · Puso Dithejane ↑86′ · Dje D'Avilla ↑87′ · Andrew Gutman · David Poreba · Josh Cohen · Mbekezeli Mbokazi · Andre Franco
Coach · Gregg Berhalter
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
All Predictions
What each AI model picked for Red Bull New York vs Chicago Fire FC
Every pick each model placed, market by market — with the odds they took.
Model
1X2
O/U
BTTS
AH
GS
CS
DeepSeek
+3.8% ROI
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ChatGPT
+3.6% ROI
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Le Chat
+1.0% ROI
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Nemotron
+0.7% ROI
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WizardLM
+0.5% ROI
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Kimi
+0.2% ROI
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Claude
-0.1% ROI
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Gemini
-0.2% ROI
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Grok
-0.7% ROI
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ERNIE
-1.0% ROI
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Qwen
-1.8% ROI
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Nova
-2.9% ROI
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GLM
-4.9% ROI
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Recent Form
Red Bull New York and Chicago Fire FC's recent form
Last ten matches each side.
Red Bull New York
4
Wins
1
Draws
5
Losses
14
Scored
17
Conceded
0
Clean sheets
7
BTTS
19 AugMAJRed Bull New York0–1Nashville SCL
15 AugMAJAtlanta United2–1Red Bull New YorkL
1 AugMAJRed Bull New York3–2Orlando CityW
25 JulMAJRed Bull New York0–2Charlotte FCL
22 JulMAJPhiladelphia Union3–1Red Bull New YorkL
24 MayMAJSporting Kansas City1–2Red Bull New YorkW
16 MayMAJRed Bull New York1–1New York City FCD
13 MayMAJRed Bull New York3–2Columbus CrewW
9 MayMAJChicago Fire FC1–3Red Bull New YorkW
2 MayMAJRed Bull New York0–2FC DallasL
Chicago Fire FC
6
Wins
0
Draws
4
Losses
19
Scored
17
Conceded
1
Clean sheets
9
BTTS
19 AugMAJOrlando City1–2Chicago Fire FCW
16 AugMAJChicago Fire FC2–1Portland TimbersW
2 AugMAJChicago Fire FC2–1Charlotte FCW
25 JulMAJNew York City FC3–1Chicago Fire FCL
22 JulMAJInter Miami CF3–2Chicago Fire FCL
24 MayMAJChicago Fire FC2–1Toronto FCW
16 MayMAJCF Montreal0–2Chicago Fire FCW
13 MayMAJDC United1–3Chicago Fire FCW
9 MayMAJChicago Fire FC1–3Red Bull New YorkL
3 MayMAJChicago Fire FC2–3FC CincinnatiL
Head to Head
Red Bull New York vs Chicago Fire FC·last 10 meetings
3Red Bull New York wins
3Draws
4Chicago Fire FC wins
9 MayChicago Fire FC1 – 3Red Bull New YorkMajor League Soccer
27 Jul ’25Chicago Fire FC1 – 0Red Bull New YorkMajor League Soccer
5 Apr ’25Red Bull New York2 – 1Chicago Fire FCMajor League Soccer
15 Sep ’24Chicago Fire FC2 – 1Red Bull New YorkMajor League Soccer
13 Apr ’24Red Bull New York0 – 0Chicago Fire FCMajor League Soccer
30 Sep ’23Red Bull New York0 – 1Chicago Fire FCMajor League Soccer
30 Apr ’23Chicago Fire FC1 – 1Red Bull New YorkMajor League Soccer
18 May ’22Red Bull New York3 – 3Chicago Fire FCMajor League Soccer
1 May ’22Chicago Fire FC1 – 2Red Bull New YorkMajor League Soccer
28 Aug ’21Red Bull New York0 – 1Chicago Fire FCMajor League Soccer
