The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup reaches its quarterfinal stage with a high-stakes clash between Minnesota United FC and Chicago Fire FC. With a spot in the semifinals on the line, both MLS sides will be looking to make history in the 110th edition of the tournament. Minnesota, chasing its first-ever Open Cup title, hosts four-time champions Chicago Fire in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Allianz Field.
Match Details
| Fixture | Minnesota United FC vs Chicago Fire FC |
| Date | Tuesday, July 8, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:30 PM ET |
| Venue | Allianz Field, Saint Paul, MN |
| Broadcast | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, CBS Sports Network |
| Competition | 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Quarterfinal |
Team Form & Head-to-Head
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Open Cup Titles |
| Minnesota United FC | W–L–W–D–W | 0 (Runner-up in 2019) |
| Chicago Fire FC | W–L–L–W–L | 4 (Last in 2006) |
Head-to-Head (All Competitions):
Total Matches: 12
Minnesota Wins: 4
Chicago Wins: 6
Draws: 2
Recent Meeting: Chicago Fire defeated Minnesota United in their last encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Minnesota United FC
Kelvin Yeboah – Scored in the previous Open Cup round; central to the Loons’ counter-attacking strategy.
Julian Gressel – Veteran midfielder and 2019 Open Cup winner with Atlanta United; key playmaker.
Michael Boxall – Club captain and defensive anchor; brings leadership and long-throw threat.
Dayne St. Clair – Reliable shot-stopper with strong distribution.
Chicago Fire FC
Hugo Cuypers – 28-year-old Belgian striker with 2 goals in 2 Open Cup matches; leads the Fire’s attack.
Philip Zinckernagel – Creative winger with pace and vision; complements Cuypers in the final third.
Brian Gutiérrez – Young midfield engine; excels in transitions and pressing.
Chris Brady – Promising goalkeeper with strong reflexes and command of the box.
Tactical Breakdown
Minnesota United:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Style: Direct play, counter-attacks, set-piece threats
Strengths: Wide play, midfield pressing, home-field advantage
Weaknesses: Defensive lapses (no clean sheet in last 5 matches)
Chicago Fire:
Formation: 4-3-3
Style: Possession-based, high pressing, overlapping fullbacks
Strengths: Attacking depth, experience in knockout matches
Weaknesses: Inconsistent form, injury-depleted squad
Projected Starting Lineups
Minnesota United FC (4-2-3-1)
GK: Dayne St. Clair
DEF: Gressel, Boxall, Harvey, Markanich
MID: Trapp, Lod, Pereyra, Oluwaseyi
FWD: Yeboah
Chicago Fire FC (4-3-3)
GK: Chris Brady
DEF: Barroso, Rogers, Elliott, Gutman
MID: Oregel, Pineda, Gutiérrez
FWD: Zinckernagel, Cuypers, Bamba
Injury Report
Minnesota United
Wessel Speel – Out (injury)
Chicago Fire
Chris Mueller, Justin Reynolds, Kellyn Acosta – Out
Four additional players sidelined due to injury
MATCH ODDS
Minnesota United FC – 115 Draw + 275 Chicago Fire FC + 260
Over 2.5 – 180 Under 2.5 + 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, July 7, 2025
