The Chicago Fire will be missing their promising 17-year-old center back Christopher Cupps for several weeks after he sustained a fractured leg while representing the United States U17 team during the recent international window. Head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed Cupps’ injury during his weekly media briefing ahead of the club’s upcoming match against Nashville SC. This news comes as the Fire look to rebound from a heavy 7-2 loss to Nashville SC in April at GEODIS Park, a result that still resonates within the organization.
Since that lopsided defeat on April 26, the Fire have improved markedly, recording a 6-1-1 run across all competitions. The improvement is credited to the players gaining a stronger grasp of the strategic system implemented by coach Berhalter. Andrew Gutman, one of the team’s standout left-backs and a potential candidate for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, highlighted the team’s mental turnaround and tactical growth.
Player Perspectives on Turning the Season Around
Andrew Gutman expressed how unacceptable the previous loss to Nashville was and emphasized the team’s determination to change the narrative in their upcoming home game.
“What happened last time is unacceptable and the guys know that,”
Gutman said.
“We definitely want to, kind of flip the script on that whole situation, and this weekend’s a perfect time for us to do it. I think the team we were then and the team we were now is completely different, and hopefully this Saturday we can go out in front of our home fans and get a win.”
He further detailed how the team‘s grasp of Berhalter’s preferred style has improved, leading to a more consistent performance pattern.
“We’re understanding what the coaches want to do for us, the system they want to play. And it’s one of those systems that it’s not [getting fixed] overnight, there’s going to be bumps, there’s going to be highs and lows. And I think now we’re starting to get into a place where we have more highs than lows. That’s just the combination of the coaches constantly implementing that, and also the players responding super well, and everyone’s studying to really understand their individual roles and how it plays into the team’s success,”
Gutman added.
Despite his strong form, Gutman remains measured about his prospects for All-Star selection.
“It’s always cool to be in consideration. And people kind of put your name up for that – for me, those awards are a little tricky, right? Because it’s sometimes maybe not the best players in the position, but maybe more of the most popular players. So I look at it as it’s super nice to be in the conversation because that means you’re doing things, right? But for me, I just focus on getting better every single day and then on the weekends being the best version that I can of myself,”
he said.
Injury and Availability Updates on Squad Members
Alongside Cupps’ injury setback, the Fire have other important player updates as they prepare to welcome Nashville SC. Hugo Cuypers, the team’s leading goalscorer who missed the recent victory over D.C. United due to injury, has resumed training ahead of this weekend’s contest. If Cuypers is fit to play against Nashville, this could allow midfielder Jason Shokalook to join the Fire II squad traveling for their MLS Next Pro match against Carolina Core.
Dje D’Avilla, another key squad member who was absent for the away game in Washington D.C., rejoined the team during the week and is expected to be available for the Nashville match. These returns provide some depth for Berhalter as the side looks to maintain its positive momentum.
MLS Next Pro Experience Marked by Weather Delay and Penalty Drama
The Chicago Fire II team faced unusual circumstances during their recent MLS Next Pro fixture against New England Revolution II. The game, which started on Sunday afternoon, was halted by lightning with Chicago trailing 1-0. Due to a waterlogged pitch after the storm, play was postponed and resumed the following morning at 11:00 a.m.
When action continued, goals from Jean Alpha Diouf and Claudio Cassano helped level the match, while goalkeeper Patrick Los made a key penalty save to send the game into a shootout. Ultimately, New England secured the extra point by winning the penalty kicks 5-4, edging out Chicago Fire II in a closely contested finish.
Upcoming Match Preview at Soldier Field
The Chicago Fire will host Nashville SC on June 14 at Soldier Field in their next MLS match, marking the second game of a double-header featuring the Chicago Stars FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central Time, with the match available for viewing on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV+. The Fire aim to build on their recent strong performances and redeem themselves against the team that handed them their heaviest loss of the season thus far.
With Cupps sidelined but Cuypers and D’Avilla potentially returning, coach Berhalter faces important decisions as he strategizes for the encounter. The outcome will be critical for the Fire’s playoff aspirations and their effort to cement a stronger identity this season.