Fire Handle Business at Soldier Field, Blank Columbus 2-0

by: Michael Sanders

CHICAGO — Soldier Field lit up Saturday night as the Fire locked in, locked down, and kept their postseason push alive. Behind goals from Andrew Gutman and Hugo Cuypers, Chicago took down Columbus Crew 2-0 for their second straight clean sheet.

The win moved Chicago to 14-11-6 on the season and gave them a five-point cushion over the New York Red Bulls for ninth place in the East.

The Fire came out sharp, controlling possession early and creating pressure across the pitch. In the 25th minute, Gutman, the defender with a striker’s touch, curled one to the far post to make it 1-0. Two more Chicago goals were waved off before halftime, but the energy stayed with the home side.

When the second half started, the Fire refused to slow down. In the 70th minute, André Franco carried the ball through midfield and picked his moment. He slipped a perfect pass to Cuypers on the right wing, who took one clean touch and buried his 17th goal of the season to close the deal.

Columbus never found a way back. Chris Brady stayed composed in goal, locking in his fifth shutout of the year and helping the Fire earn their 14th win of 2025.

Final: Chicago Fire 2, Columbus Crew 0

Takeaway: Chicago looked confident, connected, and hungry from whistle to whistle. Gutman set the tone, Cuypers finished the job, and Brady kept the door closed. The Fire are finding their form right when it counts.