Match Preview – D.C. United Heads to Illinois to take on Chicago Fire FC in the First Road Trip of 2025

Story of the Match

D.C. United plays on the road for the first time in 2025 against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, March 1 at Soldier Field with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Black-and-Red started its 2025 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Toronto FC on opening day last Saturday at Audi Field. D.C. United took the lead in the 8th minute after midfielder Boris Enow won the ball in Toronto’s half, dribbled into the box, and slotted the ball past Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Enow was one of the highlights throughout the match with his aggressive breakup play and composure in possession.

Toronto FC would equalize in the 28th minute after an errant cross across the box avoided an outstretched Kim Joon Hong and defender Aaron Herrera was unable to clear the danger with Toronto’s Jonathan Osorio bundling the ball into the back of the net. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1.

In the second half, 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke, picked up where he left off in 2024 and got on the scoresheet for the first time in 2025 in the 35th minute. The play started when defender Lucas Bartlett played a perfectly weighted diagonal ball to right winger Jacob Murrell. The 20-year-old controlled the ball and lofted a cross into the box. Benteke, debatably the aerially gifted forward in the world, towered over the defender to head the ball past Johnson.

Toronto FC found a second equalizer from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Midfielder Brandon Servania was judged to have fouled Richie Laryea in the box and Italian midfielder Bernardeschi converted from the spot.

After picking up a point at home, Head Coach Troy Lesesne and the team head to Chicago to take on Gregg Berhalter’s newly revamped Chicago side after being appointed as head coach and director of soccer in November 2024. The Fire was busy with offseason acquisitions and added former Philadelphia Union defender Jack Elliot and USMNT defender Omar Gonzalez to revamp their backline. On the offensive end, Chicago added Ivorian winger Jonathan Bamba from Spanish club RC Celta de Vigo in addition to Rominigue Kouamé.

On MLS opening day, the Fire lost 4-2 against Columbus Crew SC on March 1 at Lower.com Field in Ohio. Despite taking the lead twice in the game, Chicago was unable to match the high-flying energy of Columbus. Midfielder Brian Gutierrez took the lead for Chicago in the 13th minute from a long-range shot. After a 20th minute equalizer from Columbus’ Jacen Russell-Rowe, Chicago retook the lead in the 23rd minute when Gutierrez fired in his second goal. Following the goal, Chicago were firmly on the backfoot for the remainder of the game and two more first-half goals from Columbus saw Chicago go into halftime losing 3-2. A 50th minute goal from Diego Rossi sealed the win for Columbus and Chicago left Ohio without a point. With Chicago playing its home opener, Gregg Berhalter and the team will be eager to get points on the board in the Eastern Conference standings in front of their home fans.

Last Match Against Chicago Fire FC | September 7, 2024 @ SeatGeek Stadium

In the previous matchup against Chicago, D.C. United won 2-1 against the Fire on the road at SeatGeek Stadium. Benteke scored the first goal of the match in the 26th minute when he picked up the ball in the penalty area, found a yard of space and converted the shot. Pirani added a second in the 29th minute with a lovely bit of footwork to beat the defender and guide the ball into the bottom right corner. Chicago found a consolation goal in the 54th minute from defender Andrew Gutman but D.C. United left Chicago with all three points.

By the Numbers

• D.C. United forward Christian Benteke won the 2024 MLS Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals in MLS play last season.

• Benteke has scored three goals and recorded two assists in four appearances against Chicago Fire FC.

• The Black-and-Red have an 27-23-21 record against Chicago Fire FC all-time.

• Christian Benteke became the first reigning Golden Boot presented by Audi winner to score in a season-opening match since LAFC’s Carlos Vela in 2020.

• D.C. United scored 52 total goals in 2024; 31 goals from open play, 15 from set pieces, five from penalties, and one from a free kick.

How to Watch

• D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With this subscription, you can watch every D.C. United game live, whether it’s home or away, along with exclusive pre- and post-match coverage. Simply open the Apple TV app, navigate to MLS Season Pass, and subscribe to enjoy the entire 2025 season. Whether you're at home or on the go, you'll have access to every match, ensuring you never miss a moment of D.C. United's season. Enjoy seamless streaming on your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and more!

• Radio broadcasts will be available live on 1190 iHeart Sports DC, 101.1 HD2, and the iHeartRadio App. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called games for D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996 will return to the booth alongside Bruce Murray, former United States National Team player (1985-1993, 85 caps and 21 goals) and Class of 2011 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. The pair have partnered on radio calls since 2023 to deliver high-quality and passionate radio calls for fans. Supporters watching D.C. United MLS Regular Season games on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the game on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.