Chicago Fire FC is set to face Inter Miami CF in a crucial rescheduled match at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday, September 30. This fixture, originally slated earlier in the season, was moved to accommodate Miami’s participation in the 2025 Leagues Cup final.
Coming off a 2-0 victory against Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire is edging closer to their first playoff appearance since 2017. Defender Andrew Gutman opened the scoring with a stunning drive, followed by forward Hugo Cuypers’ 17th goal of the season, cementing the win. Goalkeeper Chris Brady and the defense maintained a solid front, securing another clean sheet and limiting Columbus to just seven shots. This marked Chicago’s 14th victory in their campaign, showcasing their current stellar form.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, is recovering from a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC. Tadeo Allende gave Miami an early lead, only for Djordje Mihailović to equalize in the second half, contributing to Toronto’s seventh consecutive draw.
In this upcoming clash, Chicago Fire stands an opportunity to break its club record for the most away wins in a single season. Their current tally of eight ties the record set back in 1999. With back-to-back shutouts against strong playoff contenders, the Fire is entering the matchup in peak form.
Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel, with 17 goal contributions on the road, is expected to be a crucial player. His record in the Sunshine State includes a decisive performance against Orlando City earlier this season, suggesting he could prove instrumental in Ft. Lauderdale.
Recent performances also highlight a formidable Chicago defense, posting two consecutive shutouts. Their challenge against Inter Miami, the league’s highest-scoring team, will be significant, yet they can draw confidence from their prior 0-0 stalemate with Miami earlier in the year.
Significant contributions from players like André Franco, who has notched four assists in his last four games, further indicate the strong teamwork and synergy developing within the Fire squad toward the season’s end.
A win against Inter Miami would not only break records but also solidify Chicago’s playoff aspirations, marking an impressive turnaround season. Despite the challenges posed by Miami’s strong squad, Chicago Fire FC seems to be building momentum at just the right moment.