The Chicago Fire picked up another point on Saturday when they played to a 0-0 draw against FC Dallas while playing without their captain Rafael Czichos for the full match and star playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri for the majority of the match.
The Fire are now one of only three teams remaining in MLS without a loss to their name, alongside LAFC and the Philadelphia Union. Chicago is the only squad, however, who has yet to trail at any point in a match so far in 2022.
Before the Fire return to action at the weekend away to Orlando City, let's check in with where the media has the Club ranked after five weeks:
MLSsoccer.com - 8th
It’s hard to take away much at all from their 0-0 draw against Dallas in about the worst weather possible. Of course, there are worries about Xherdan Shaqiri after he came off in the 18th minute, but Chicago’s defense didn’t seem bothered by much at all. And when they were, Gaga Slonina dealt with the issue without much effort.
It’s worth noting again the Fire defense has been remarkably good, with one goal allowed through five games. And I’m hoping someone smarter than me and with more time than me can help me dig into why.
Per Second Spectrum, the Fire defense leads the league in the percentage of opposing possessions that end within five seconds. Basically, almost half of their opponents' possessions end very, very quickly.
You would think the Red Bulls or D.C. would be all over that, but nope it’s Chicago. They aren’t pressing that way though. Chicago are 17th in the league in total pressures, 16th in distance closed when pressing and 11th in counter pressures.
The Fire are third in the number of opposing possessions that end within five seconds per 90, well behind RBNY and just behind Philadelphia. And the Fire are third in the number of opposing possessions per 90 that end within 10 seconds, well behind RBNY and just behind Toronto. However, Chicago are 13th in pressures per 90 while RBNY sit first, the Union sit third and Toronto are sixth.
I don’t know exactly what to make of this yet. All I can really do is point and say “lookit the thing, isn’t the thing weird.” Or it’s just a weird, fluky, early-season thing that I shouldn’t have looked too closely at in the first place. What’s not a fluke is the fact Chicago’s defensive play has carried them to an undefeated start. That’s what’s important and what’s, most likely, sustainable. READ MORE
CBS Sports - 6th
Whatever Ezra Hendrickson is cooking, I want some. Not only are the Fire defending well, but they're also scoring goals while sitting in the top half of the Eastern Conference. This could end up being the biggest turnaround of the year as new recruits Xherdan Shaqiri, Kacper Pryzybyłko, and Rafael Czichos are showing their worth and more in the early going of the season. READ MORE
ESPN - 13th
The Fire's 0-0 draw with FC Dallas was their third scoreless draw of the season. While Chicago has been extremely difficult to break down, 17-year-old goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina's star continues to rise. His save percentage (91.7%) is the best mark in MLS. READ MORE
October 7 vs Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC celebrated Fan Appreciation Night on October 7, 2023 to give back to our dedicated fans and their commitment throughout the season!
