The MLS Week 22 showdown between Chicago Fire and San Diego FC kicks off on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Scheduled for 7:30 PM ET / 12:30 AM UK, this marks the first-ever meeting between the Eastern Conference hopefuls and the Western Conference leaders. With playoff implications and attacking firepower on both sides, expect a high-octane affair under the lights.
Team Form & Standings
Chicago Fire
Position: 9th in Eastern Conference (28 points)
Last 5 Matches: L–L–W–L–L
Home Record: 2W–4D–3L in 9 MLS games
Goals Scored: 39 Goals Conceded: 36
Chicago returns home after a tough stretch, including a 3–1 US Open Cup loss to Minnesota United and a 2–1 defeat to FC Cincinnati. Despite inconsistency, they’ve shown flashes of attacking brilliance, led by Hugo Cuypers (11 goals) and Philip Zinckernagel (9 goals, 7 assists). Coach Gregg Berhalter will need a sharper defensive effort to contain the league’s most potent offense.
San Diego FC
Position: 1st in Western Conference (44 points)
Last 5 Matches: W–W–W–W–L
Away Record: 6W–0D–4L
Goals Scored: 44 (MLS-best) Goals Conceded: 29
San Diego’s four-match winning streak ended in a wild 4–3 loss to Houston Dynamo, but they remain atop the West. With Milan Iloski (10 goals in 14 games), Hirving Lozano (6 goals, 7 assists), and Dreyer (9 goals, 12 assists), coach Mikey Varas boasts a lethal front three. The visitors have won four of their last five road games, including three straight.
Predicted Lineups & Key Players
Chicago Fire
Predicted XI: Gal; Dean, Rogers, Elliott, Gutman; Williams, Avilla, Gutierrez; Zinckernagel, Bamba, Cuypers
Key Absences: Justin Reynolds, Chris Mueller, Carlos Teran, Kellyn Acosta, Rominigue Kouame, David Poreba
Player to Watch: Hugo Cuypers – 11 goals in 19 MLS matches; clinical finisher with European pedigree
San Diego FC
Predicted XI: Santos; Verhoeven, McVey, Pilcher, Bombino; Tverskov, Boateng, Valakari; Dreyer, Iloski, Mighten
Key Absences: Marcus Ingvartsen, Hamady Diop, William Kumado, Anisse Saidi
Player to Watch: Milan Iloski – 8 goals in last 5 games; red-hot form and elite movement
Tactical Matchup & Betting Trends
Chicago Strengths: High-scoring potential, midfield creativity, set-piece threat
San Diego Strengths: Explosive attack, road resilience, dynamic wing play
Betting Tip: Chicago has conceded in 9 straight matches, while San Diego has scored in 5 consecutive games. Expect a goal-heavy contest, with the visitors favored due to form and firepower.
Match Details
Fixture: Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET / 12:30 AM UK
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Fire FC + 155 Draw + 275 San Diego FC + 140
Over 3.5 + 110 Under 3.5 – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 11, 2025
