Hugo Cuypers is making a significant impact on the Chicago Fire as their leading scorer, showcasing not only his talent on the field but also his remarkable work ethic both with and without the ball. His relentless drive has not only contributed to his impressive tally of 19 goals this season but has also shaped the team’s competitive identity.
Defender Jonathan Dean emphasized the influence Cuypers has on the squad, saying, “It’s belief and it trickles down — you see one guy doing it, especially someone like Hugo. If he’s doing it, that’s the bare minimum. For us that’s where we set that bar.” This sentiment reflects the leadership Cuypers has established during his time with the team.
As the Fire prepares for a critical first-round MLS Cup playoff match against the Philadelphia Union, Cuypers’ performance will be more crucial than ever. The match, set for Saturday at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, marks a do-or-die scenario for the team, needing a victory to force a decisive game on November 8 in Philadelphia.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter has quickly recognized Cuypers as a key player. He notes that while Cuypers might not always be vocally motivational, his intense desire to win and work ethic are clear indicators of his value. “When you look at Hugo, you don’t necessarily see this outwardly pushing the team,” Berhalter explained. “But I do know after working with him for these 10 months that he desperately wants to win.”
Cuypers, who moved to Chicago from Belgium two years ago, has adjusted well to the challenges of transitioning to Major League Soccer (MLS). “I think the move to MLS from overseas is maybe a little bit underestimated, with everything that comes with it, family-wise as well,” Cuypers noted, showcasing his awareness of the hurdles athletes face when relocating.
The ongoing relationship between Berhalter and Cuypers is one built on mutual respect and aspiration for improvement. As Berhalter stated, “He’s always looking to get better. I love players like that. I knew we would have a great relationship.” This dynamic is evident in the positive energy Cuypers brings to each match.
Cuypers’ dedication uplifts his teammates, encouraging them to elevate their own performances. Dean acknowledged this influence, emphasizing that the efforts of their striker motivate the entire defensive line to push harder during games.
As the Fire faces potential challenges, particularly with fellow forward Philip Zinckernagel’s uncertain availability due to a lower-body injury, Cuypers’ role becomes increasingly pivotal. Berhalter remains hopeful, indicating that Zinckernagel’s situation will be assessed closely as game time approaches.
Despite the disappointment of their recent playoff loss against Philadelphia, which ended in penalties, Berhalter took away several positives from the match. The Fire’s ability to rally from a two-goal deficit demonstrated their resilience and capacity to perform under pressure. “The first half went exactly to the game plan,” Berhalter stated. “We wanted to take the crowd out of the game. The way we got back into the game showed our potential and character.”
Looking ahead, the Fire are poised to draw from their past experiences during the postseason, including their successful wild-card match against Orlando City. With confidence buoyed by recent performances and the encouragement of their home crowd, there is a hopeful outlook for their upcoming clash against the Union. Greg Berhalter’s belief in the team remains steadfast, as he remarked, “We’ve done this before… If anything, the last game gave us confidence.”