MLS Match Preview: Chicago Fire FC (10-9-5) vs. Los Angeles FC (10-6-6)

Team Overview

Chicago Fire FC

Record: 10 Wins – 9 Losses – 5 Draws (35 points)

Standing: 9th in Eastern Conference

Recent Form: W–W–L–L–L

Key Players:

Hugo Cuypers – 14 goals; clinical from the spot

Jack Elliott – defensive anchor, scored vs Montréal

Xherdan Shaqiri – creative force, 5 assists

Chicago Fire are on a mini resurgence, winning back-to-back matches including a 1–0 victory over New York Red Bulls. They’ve scored in seven straight matches and are pushing for a playoff return after finishing last in the East in 2024.

Los Angeles FC

Record: 10 Wins – 6 Losses – 6 Draws (36 points)

Standing: 6th in Western Conference

Recent Form: W–L–W–D–W

Key Players:

Denis Bouanga – 11 goals, 4 assists

David Martínez Morales – 19-year-old breakout star, 2 goals vs Tigres

Timothy Tillman – midfield engine with 6 assists

LAFC are fresh off a 2–1 win over Tigres in the Leagues Cup and have lost just one of their last five MLS matches. However, they’ve won only once in their last 11 away games across all competitions.

Head-to-Head Snapshot

Date	Venue	Result
May 2019	BMO Stadium	LAFC 0–0 Chicago Fire
Jul 2018	Toyota Park	Chicago Fire 2–1 LAFC
Mar 2018	Banc of California	LAFC 3–0 Chicago Fire

Last MLS meeting: May 2019 (0–0 draw)

Chicago unbeaten in last 2 vs LAFC

First league meeting in over 6 years