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

Chicago History Museum Workers Ratify First Contract

Workers at the Chicago History Museum ratified their first union contract on August 25, 2026, with 96% of union members…

3 days ago

White Sox, Rangers Battle for Playoff Position

The Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers head into Wednesday’s series finale at Rate Field with both clubs fighting for…

4 days ago

Chicago Business Expo Returns to Malcolm X College

Chicago will hold its final Business Resource Expo of 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Malcolm X College, bringing entrepreneurs…

7 days ago

Bedard Signs $75M Deal, Backs Patrick Kane Return

Connor Bedard has secured his long-term future with the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a five-year, $75 million contract extension that will…

1 week ago

Chicago House Music Festival Returns for Four-Day Run

The Chicago House Music Festival and Conference will return Aug. 27 through 30, bringing four days of free performances, dance…

1 week ago

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños Hits 27 States

U.S. health officials are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico that has sickened 345…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.