Match Report (W4)- Chicago Fire 1 - 2 D.C. United
- elclasicohonduras
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
Chicago, IL — On a chilly and windy night at Soldier Field, D.C. United traveled to face Chicago Fire FC hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, while the hosts aimed to extend their unbeaten run after shutout victories against CF Montréal and Columbus Crew.
In a dramatic match filled with VAR reviews, extended stoppage time, and late goals, the Black-and-Red rallied to secure a 2–1 comeback victory, thanks to goals from Matti Peltola and Tai Baribo.
The two sides entered the contest with a long-standing rivalry, having met 73 times in regular-season play, with D.C. United holding a slight advantage with 27 wins to Chicago’s 24, alongside 22 draws.
Despite the scoreless first half, D.C. United created the better opportunities. Head coach René Weiler felt his side was close to taking the lead early.
“I had the feeling that we had the better chances in the first half to score and open the score ourselves,” Weiler said after the match.
Baribo threatened Chicago’s defense in the 18th and 21st minutes, and the striker thought he had broken the deadlock shortly afterward. However, the goal was disallowed after Jackson Hopkins was ruled offside while blocking the view of goalkeeper Chris Brady.
The half ended with the teams still level despite D.C.’s attacking intent.
Fire Strike First
D.C. United began the second half with greater control of possession and continued to search for the opener.
João Peglow forced a save in the 63rd minute, and just three minutes later Gabriel Pirani narrowly missed a clear scoring opportunity.
Chicago eventually capitalized on a pivotal moment. In the 81st minute, Hopkins was penalized for an involuntary handball inside the penalty area.
Hugo Cuypers stepped up and calmly converted the penalty with a strong shot down the middle, giving Chicago a 1–0 lead.
D.C.’s Comeback
The Black-and-Red responded quickly.
After a weak defensive clearance in the 84th minute, Peltola struck a shot that deflected off Chicago defender Mbokazi and into the net, leveling the match at 1–1.
Weiler praised the midfielder’s development and importance to the team.
“He stepped forward definitely,” Weiler said. “For young players, for newcomers, it’s not easy to come to a new country with a new culture and system, but now he’s a very important player for our team.”
What followed was a chaotic ending. In the 90th minute, D.C. United was awarded a penalty after the ball struck the extended arm of Chicago defender Dean following a delivery into the area from Peltola. The decision required a lengthy VAR review.
With 18 minutes of stoppage time eventually added, Baribo stepped up and converted the penalty in the 90+5th minute, sealing a dramatic comeback victory.
Weiler also highlighted the striker’s composure in the moment.
“He took the responsibility with the penalty kick,” the coach said. “He already scored in the first half but the goal was canceled, and now he has three goals in four games. That’s a very great number for a striker.”
Strong Team Performance
Beyond the goals, Weiler emphasized the collective effort his team showed against a Chicago side known for playing quickly into the attacking third.
“We played well against the strengths of Chicago,” Weiler said. “They want to play immediately in the final zone, but we defended very well.”
He added that the performance reflected the team’s mentality in tight MLS matches.
“They did it all together with the ball and without the ball. That is how we have to play because all games are tight, and that’s how we try to win points.”
Three Points
Back to Winning Ways: D.C. United snapped their two-game losing streak and recorded their 28th victory against Chicago in 74 all-time meetings, avenging last season’s 7–1 defeat at Audi Field on June 7, 2025.
Baribo’s Strong Start: With the game-winning penalty, Baribo reached three goals in four matches, climbing the early Golden Boot standings behind Petar Musa of FC Dallas, who leads with five and Fernandez, Surridge, and Klaus with 4.
First Road Win of 2026: The victory marked D.C. United’s first away win of the 2026 MLS season and their first road victory since defeating New York City FC on August 30, 2025.
Starting XI
D.C. United (4-4-2):
Johnson; Kurokawa, Bartlett (C), Rowles, Hefti; Hopkins, Peltola, Servania (Nealis 90+6’), Peglow (Murrell 88’); Pirani (Clark 79’), Baribo
Chicago Fire FC (4-3-3):
Brady; Barrozo (Borso 90+6’), Elliot (Waterman), Mbokazi, Dean (Radojevic 90+6’); Saletros, D’Avilla (Pineda 66’), Zinckernagel; Lod (Haile-Selassie 66’), Cuypers, Bamba
Scoring Summary
Chicago Fire FC:
Cuypers 81’ (PK)
D.C. United:
Peltola 84’
Baribo 90+6’ (PK)
Misconduct Summary
Chicago Fire FC:
Zinckernagel (yellow) 25’
Elliot (yellow) 56’
D’Avilla (yellow) 65'
D.C. United:
Hopkins (yellow) 35'
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