Categories: Chicago

Chicago Fire make a late rally to make the playoffs

Chicago Fire is not having the best season but it looks as though they are saving their best for last. They had been struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference for most of 2019 season. It was certain that they would miss the postseason but recent display shows they could make the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Their chances of making the playoffs were boosted with a thumping 4-0 home win over FC Dallas on Saturday at SeatGeek Stadium. They have three games remaining in the regular season and are just three points below the playoff line. Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic is happy with the team’s performance.

The coach said, “I’m confident that if we win the three [matches] we have left, we’re going to qualify [for the playoffs] because we’ll also have other results. First, because this is football and the others face each other. And then, I believe in my luck and in the work we did throughout the year and last year even more. All of this sets you up for success in the end.”

Dallas had no answer to Chicago’s brilliant performance. CJ Sapong had scored two goals in the game. He was well supported by his teammates as Przemyslaw Frankowski and Nemanja Nikolic chipped in with the goals as well. Sapong shared his opinions about making the playoffs. He said, “There’s nine points left on the table and we want to get all nine points and be in the playoffs.”

Chicago is already in playoff mode as one defeat could end their season. Their next challenge is with the already eliminated FC Cincinnati next Saturday. Paunovic said “If we continue like this – and we’re going to continue like this – this team will keep fighting. The next game is a playoff game, which means winning and passing to the next round. And we’ll continue like this.”

Shawn Genzone

Senior writer at the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

DeRozan, Kings Top Knicks as Bulls Win Thriller

DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points, and Zach LaVine added 25 as the Sacramento Kings earned their third straight win, defeating…

2 days ago

Chicago Employment Index Falls to Lowest Level Since 2009

Chicago businesses recorded their weakest employment reading in more than a decade, according to new data released by the Illinois…

3 days ago

Chicago Small Businesses Enter 2026 With Cautious Outlook

As 2026 begins, small businesses across Chicagoland are adjusting expectations after a year defined by economic uncertainty, according to new…

3 days ago

Illinois Approves New Regional Transit Authority Overhaul

Illinois lawmakers have approved a major overhaul of public transportation governance in the Chicago region, creating a new regional oversight…

5 days ago

Mammoth Seek Wild-Card Push vs. Blues in Salt Lake

The Utah Mammoth will try to move back into playoff position Friday night when they host the St. Louis Blues…

1 week ago

Phillies to Meet With Free Agent Shortstop Bo Bichette

The Philadelphia Phillies have scheduled a meeting with free agent shortstop Bo Bichette, according to a report by The Athletic.…

1 week ago

This website uses cookies.