CHGO Chicago Fire Podcast

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.