Feed the Fire: A Chicago Fire Podcast

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire earned their second home win of the season against Charlotte FC, completing the season sweep of their Eastern Conference rival. Spectacular individual efforts combined with team play to deliver a commanding 3-0 halftime lead that was enough for the Men in Red. Tune in as Nick breaks down the stats, player performances - kudos to Jonathan Dean - and looks at the schedule ahead.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing the show.

Follow the Fire on SportSpyder.

...

Hey, soccer fans! In this episode of Feed the Fire, Nick talks about what happened between Monterrey Security and a number of fans at the latest Chicago Fire FC match. He details the Major League Soccer fan code of conduct, breaks down the incidents that occurred, and voices his concern for how Monterrey Security acts with impunity and goes outside the law when "policing" events.

Nick also discusses the loss to the Philadelphia Union, breaks down the stats, and looks forward to the upcoming match against Charlotte FC.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back and this time he's bring the kids! Tune in as our host breaks down the players in the lead for Major League Soccer's All-Star game fan voting. He also takes a look at the rules and selection procedures. Then, with the help of his three kids, Nick analyzes which players from the Chicago Fire are worth of All-Star selection by head coach Nico Estevez of Austin FC.

It should come as no surprise to you that Hugo Cuypers, Philip Zinckernagel, Chris Brady, and Jonathan Bamba are all discussed. Is there anyone...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick bad with another episode of Feed the Fire. Nashville SC once again played boogeyman to the Chicago Fire this time defeating them 2-0 at home. The Men in Red generated a number of opportunities, but couldn't convert in the end. Nashville took advantage of the few shots on goal they had, and were able to sweep the Fire in the 2025 MLS season. Tune in as we break down the tactics, stats, and player performances from the match.

Nick also takes the time to review the Eastern Conference standing at the halfway point of...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire defeated DC United 7-1 in a historic victory. Tom Barlow had a hat-trick, Jason Shokalook had an assist in his first MLS match, Philip Zinckernagel played the 10 position, and did we mention Tom Barlow had a hat trick!? Tune in for the stats, impressions, and outlook on the season after this win.

Nick also previews the Fire's match against Nashville SC, a team sitting in 4th in the Eastern Conference, and a team that hasn't lost in 10 straight matches across all competitions. Will the Fire fare any better on home soil?<...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back with more Chicago Fire talk. In this episode, we pick up the conversation about the Fire's new stadium announcement with a focus on seating, capacity, and ticket prices. There has been a lot of criticism around only having 22,000 seats and the fears of rising prices, but this is the standard for soccer specific stadiums and MLS clubs. Also, the organization will be able to create a neighborhood-wide match day experience. Tune in for Nick's thoughts on these topics and the initial fan reaction.

Nick also looks ahead at the Men in...

Big news for Chicago Fire fans! The club finally announced their new, Chicago stadium! In this episode, Nick dives deep into the latest Chicago Fire FC stadium news, what it means for the future of soccer in Chicago, and how it could reshape the MLS landscape in 2025. He also gives his thoughts on the use of the stadium outside of soccer events and why the White Sox should be kept far away from thsi development.

📌 Topics Covered:

Chicago Fire new stadium updates

Quotes from Joe Mansueto and Don Garber

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire have bounced back again. The loss at NYCFC is in the rear view, and the Men in Red put on a great performance against Orlando City SC, winning in Orlando, and taking 4 points from their Eastern Conference rivals this season. Tune in as Nick breaks down the match trends, stats, and outstanding performances of the match. John Donovan also lends his thoughts, and be sure to leave your comments below!

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing the show.

Follow...

Hey, soccer fans! Welcome back to Feed the Fire! Today, we catch up on some listener comments, recap the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Chicago Fire's 3-1 loss at NYCFC, and look forward to their next match against Orlando City. Of note, we break down the key plays, goals, red cards, and status from the match.

Is Brian Gutierrez mature enough to be the main man for the Men in Red?
Where's Kellyn Acosta?
Can Cuypers, Bamba, and Zinckernagel keep scoring without better midfield play?

All this and more inside, s...

Hey, soccer fans! It's a great time to support the Chicago Fire! The club is on a 4 game win-streak across all competitions. They've moved into a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference standings and advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, and they are about to announce signing international superstar Kevin DeBruyne! (If you believe the international reports.)

Tune in as we breakdown all the news for the Men in Red and preview their match against NYCFC this upcoming Sunday. Nick is predicting a winner, so tune in to hear how the Fire stack up...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back after a two-week break. Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of soccer? In this episode, Nick takes a look back at the last four matches played by the Men In Red. He discusses the stats, plays, and trends from this time, and looks just a bit forward to the Fire's US Open Cup matchup vs. New England Revolution.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing the show.

Follow the Fire on SportSpyder.

Connect on...

Hey, soccer fans! That was a historically bad performance we witnessed as fans of the Chicago Fire. It seems like we say that at least once a season. At least we get it out of the way early in 2025...?

The Men in Red conceded a franchise record seven goals en route to a 7-2 loss in Nashville. The defense absoltely came apart, the offense couldn't get anything going, and the team looked like it gave up barely 25 minutes into the match. What's the issue: injuries, roster construction, tactics, motivation, or a combo of them all? We'll try...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire made a statement in their draw against Inter Miami CF this weekend. Despite a lack of goals by both clubs, the Men in Red showed the league that they can go toe-to-toe with the best in MLS. Both clubs had opportunities to find the net, and Chicago couldn't find the finishing touch to steal a win late. Hopefully this adds momentum and confidence as the club looks toward a tough stretch of matches.

In this episode Nick also examines the reported offer the Chicago Fire have made to Kevin De Bruyne...

Hey, soccer fans! We all knew the Chicago Fire's unbeaten run had to end sometime, but I just wish it wasn't after outplaying the New York Red Bulls and giving up a couple preventable goals. The Men in Red's injuries and lack of depth is starting to show, but despite the defensive woes, the offensive put up good stats - except where it mattered most: the scoreboard.

Listen in as our host breaks down MLS' coverage of the Fire, recaps the Red Bulls match, and previews their next opponent - a hopefully star-studded affair versus Inter Miami.<...

Hey, soccer fans! After a tough draw against CF Montreal, the Chicago Fire may be running out of steam. A five-game point streak is no easy accomplishment, and the roster continues to see injuries. Tune in to hear how new signing Dje D'Avilla can help the Men in Red's midfield woes, and what the Fire need to do to continue their fine run of form against the reigning Eastern Conference champions: the New York Red Bulls.

Nick recaps the stats, the plays and players, and trends from the latest match and gives you his predictions and expectations...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back recapping the Vancouver match and previewing the Chicago Fire's next opponent: a struggling CF Montreal. The Fire used their wingers and their attack to keep Vancouver on their backheels most of the match, and the Men in Red will surely look to unleash their offense against a CF Montreal club that has only scored 2 goals on the season, and none in their last 4 matches.

Nick predicts a 3-0 win at home. What are your expectations?

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire are on a 2 game win streak, having won two in a row on the road. Tune in as we recap the key moments, stats, and tactics from the Men in Red's victory over Toronto FC. We also look ahead to the Fire's next match, another road game in Canada, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Nick breaks down the top players for Vancouver and how the USMNT's upcoming Nations League match will affect the lineups for both teams.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep...

Hey, soccer fans! Welcome back to Feed the Fire, where in this episode we are previewing the Chicago Fire's next match - an away game at Toronto FC. Join our host as he looks at Toronto's roster, formation, and recent run of form before predicting the outcome.

Nick also looks at a new piece of proposed legisltation in Illinois: The BEARS Act. If passed, this law would condition public funding for new stadiums to a team's on-field performance. Think it's just a political message or does the law have legs?

Tune in and join the...

Hey, soccer fans! It's always a better week when your team wins, and it's a much better week in the Windy City! The Chicago Fire won their first match of the season, a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas. The Men in Red keep the Brimstone Cup and show the grit and tenacity necessary to win when you're dealing with injuries. Tune in as Nick breaks down the key plays, stats, and tactics of the match.

In the second half, Nick examines advanced goalkeeping statistics and compares Chris Brady to the rest of the league. The 21 year old...

Hey, soccer fans! Welcome back to Feed the Fire, where in today's episode we are previewing the Chicago Fire's upcoming match against FC Dallas. The two clubs haven't met since 2022, and both have turned over their rosters this past off-season. Dallas boasts a strong attack, led by former league MVP and FC Cincinnatti star, Lucho Acosta. The key for Chicago's Men in Red will be to keep Dallas spread out and on their heels by playing wide and counter-attacking.

Nick also briefly reviews the history of the Brimstone Cup - the rivalry trophy between supporters groups for...

Hey, soccer fans! It was cold on the lakefront for the Chicago Fire's home opener against DC United, but the crowd got fired up from two goals from Hugo Cuypers before being left in the cold - again - by a last-second equalizer. Tune in as Nick breaks down the lineup, stats, and performance of the Men in Red. We also hear from special guest John Donovan on his impressions of the match.

In the second half of the show, we discuss the potential problem between Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Dean, and how it could impact the...

Hey, soccer fans! MLS is back at it again, this time with the MLS Disciplinary Committee issuing a fine to Leo Messi and Luis Suarez for their actions against NYCFC - grabbing the neck of an opposing player and coach - but suspending the Chicago Fire's Brian Gutierrez for a match after a hard foul and contact to an opponent's head. Are we seeing The Messi Rules finally coming into plain view? Or do you think these two instances can be reconciled?

In the second half of the show, Nick previews the Men in Red's home opener...

Hey, soccer fans! MLS IS BACK! And it feels like the Chicago Fire never left, after an opening weekend loss where they let a 2-1 lead spiral into a 4-2 defeat. The Men in Red quickly showed what the new lineup is capable of, with Jonathan Bamba assisting two Brian Gutierrez goals. But the defense showed they need work and the roster is still not complete as the Columbus Crew were able to score three straight to seal the victory.

Tune in as our host breaks down the stats, analyzes the film, and gives you his perspective...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back after a whirlwind week encompassing four different interviews. Be sure to check out The Designated Players Podcast, News Across the Galaxy, Battered MLS Fans, and The Wisemen Say Podcast for all of Nick's latest appearances and his spreading the knowledge of the Men in Red across the league.

In this episode, we recap the Chicago Fire's pre-season performances and look ahead to the regular season. The "experts" at mlssoccer.com have predicted the Fire finish 9th place in the Eastern Conference. Is that too low or too high? Stay tuned to...

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back talking Chicago Fire roster moves and pre-season lineups. The Men in Red continue to make signings to add depth to their lineup and the organization. This past week the club welcomes Omar Gonzalez and Claudio Cassano and saw the arrival of Jonathan Bamba to the training pitch. The Fire have yet to score in two pre-season matches, and the players are still getting used to their new teammates, but there are many reasons for optimism around the club.

There's also optimism around the league with new 2025 MLS Roster Rules taking effect...

Hey, soccer fans! No news from the Chicago Fire this week, so we're looking big picture around Major League Soccer. Specifically, we're breaking down the new and improved Leagues Cup format where teams compete in ranked tiers against the opposing league for a berth in the knockout rounds. We also take a look at the possibility of MLS changing its schedule to align with the international calendar. And finally, we look at the valuation of MLS franchises and what the Men in Red can do to rank up.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you...

Hey, soccer fans! The MLS sesaon is just around the corner, and the clubs have learned which North American cup competitions they'll be participating in. Tune in as our host breaks down the qualifying criteria and rounds up where each club will be playing. Whether Concacaf Champsions Cup, Leagues Cup, US Open Cup, or the Canadian Championship, be sure to support your squad.

In the second half of the show, Nick discusses the likelihood of the Chicago Fire filling their third Designated Player position over the summer, and he updates you on CF II's latest signing: Defender...

Hey, soccer fans, welcome back to Feed the Fire. We've got updates on Neymar, Rominigue Kouame, Robert Turdean, Federico Navarro, and Arnaud Souquet - so grab a drink, get comfortable, and tune in for the entire episode! We also get caught up with the new of MLS Next's expansion and the ever-widening talent net in America.

What do you think of the roster moves? Do you like the expansion of MLS Next?

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing the show.

Follow the Fire...

Hey, soccer fans! Do you feel like dancing? Amidst the Neymar transfer talk, the Chicago Fire have signed winger Jonathan Bamba to a Designated Player contract. Bamba comes to the Fire after two season with La Liga side Celta de Vigo, previously playing in Belgium and France. The Ivory Coast international will play a key role in providing service to Hugo Cuypers and sparking the Fire's attack.

Our host also updates you on the latest in the Neymar transfer saga. Will he end up with Chicago or return to his boyhood club Santos? Or is Neymar trying...

Hey, soccer fans! By now you've heard the reports that the Chicago Fire are in talks with Brazilian superstar Neymar - yes, that Neymar. There's been a lot of rumors and memes about it, but Nick has the latest info on the potential blockbuster deal. He also breaks down the advantages Neymar brings to the Men in Red and Major League Soccer, as well as discusses the drawbacks to signing a 32 year old, injury prone winger. Would you want to see Neymar pull on the red kit for the Fire?

Nick also examines the other top players...

Hey, soccer fans! Does anyone at the Chicago Fire take a day off? The club recently announced two new signings, both defenders that are sure to bolster the backline for the 2025 season. First, the Men in Red have signed Sam Rogers, a player that Gregg Berhalter gave a USMNT appearance in 2023. He has proven himself a solid player in Norway and USL, and hopefully his game will translate to Major League Soccer. The Fire also signed Portuguese youth international Leonardo Barroso. Barroso has a wealth of youth experience playing for Portugal and Sporting CP B, and will be part...

Hey, soccer fans! New year, new Chicago Fire! The club has been extremely busy in 2025 in building out the attack. Our host Nick provides an update on the transfer fee for new winger Philip Zinckernagel, and how it has allowed Berhalter & Co. to pursue another high level winger, Frenchman Gaetan Perrin. Perrin is a star for French club Auxerre, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1 this season, and continuing his fine form with 5 goals and 4 assists so far. If the deal goes well for the Fire, they'll acquire another TAM-level winger ... and still have two Designated Player (DP) spots...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire gave their fans a late Christmas present, announcing the signing of Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel. Zinckernagel comes to the Fire from Club Brugge, has a winning pedigree across several European leagues, and will be expected to generate offense and opportunities for Hugo Cuypers. Zinckernagel signed a four-year, TAM deal with the Men in Red, allowing them to keep both of their remaining Designated Player (DP) slots open.

We also have international news, as the Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT announced their January camp roster. 24 players were called in - 23 from MLS...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire house cleaning continues under new Director of Sport and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. This time, defense Tobias Salquist is on the outs, being transferred to FC Nordsjaelland of the Danish Superliga. Salquist will likely not be missed - he only appeared in 14 matches due to injuries - and when he played, looked like he could not keep up with the pace and physicality of MLS.

In this episode, Nick also discusses the Philadelphia Union hiring new head coach Bradley Carnell. The former St. Louis City manager will likely play a high...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire delivered a Christmas present to fans in the form of mutually parting ways with Gaston Gimenez. The Designated Player was a symbol of underperformance and burdensome contracts for the last five years, and by mutually terminating the contract, Gregg Berhalter & Co. have opened up a second DP spot and saved their one-time buyout (Heads up, Arnaud Souquet.)

Our host also breaks down the latest front office hires for the Men in Red, and how Berhalter has filled out his sporting leadership team. Nick gives you the details on Darcy Norman, Eddie...

Hey, soccer fans! Thanks for joining our MLS Scheduling Show Spectacular! Major League Soccer has released its 2025 schedule, and we're taking a look at how the season will go - noting how the Coachella Invitational, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup will fit in. In the second half, Nick takes a deep dive into the Chicago Fire's season, pointing out his most anticipated match-ups and identifying areas of the season the Men in Red should be able to find some success.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing...

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire made their first signing of the off-season, inking former Philadephia Union defender Jack Elliott to a one-year deal with an option. The Englishment brings a wealth of MLS experience, solid defending, and a bit of an offensive threat to the Second City. With the centerback position likely secure, where will the Men in Red turn next?

Nick also breaks down the players to watch in the MLS Re-Entry Draft, noting that Nicholas Gioachinni, Yaw Yeboah, and Ilas Iliadis are all available. He also discusses the Fire's participation in this year's Coachella...

Hey, soccer fans! We have a treat for you in tonight's episode. Tune in to hear Nick's conversation with Chicago Fire Head Coach and Director of Sport Gregg Berhalter - admittedly, it was a public relations call, but a fun call nonetheless. Our host then reflects on San Diego FC's expansion draft and roster build. Also, MLS free agency is underway, and our host looks at the top free agents and whether any of them could fit into Berhalter's plans for the Men in Red.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate...

Hey, soccer fans! The Los Angeles Galaxy are your 2024 MLS Cup Champions after defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1. They even did it without Riqui Puig! We look at the status and recap the game action, but then ask the question: "Is this the start of a Galaxy dynasty?" Tune in for Nick's answers and to hear how the Galaxy's win could impact how the Chicago Fire approach the 2025 season.

In the second half, we discuss the latest signing for the Men in Red: David Poreba. The MLS Next Pro Golden Boot winner and league MVP...

Hey, soccer fans! The MLS Cup Final is set! The Los Angeles Galaxy are set to host the New York Red Bulls. Tune in as our host breaks down the expected game plan for each team and the impact players who will look to raise a trophy for their club. Even without an injured Riqui Puig, the Galaxy have a star-studded lineup. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls will have to play their pressing style to perfection.

In the second half of the show, Nick addresses the transfer rumors surrounding fan favorite, Georgios Koutsias. The young striker has seen...