CHICAGO (March 26, 2023) - Chicago Fire FC II will open the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Sunday, March 26 against Inter Miami CF II. The Fire will hope to start its second season on the right foot against the same opponent it faced to close the 2022 season, in a 1-0 victory to split the season series. First kick at DRV PNK Stadium is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT and can be streamed for free on MLSNEXTPro.com
The Fire opens the 2023 season looking to improve upon its eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference in 2022. Despite being officially eliminated from the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs weeks prior, Chicago put on a solid performance in a 1-0 home victory against Inter Miami on September 18, 2022 to put a nice finishing touch to its campaign. Alex Monis scored the lone goal of the match and the last of the 2022 season for Fire II; coincidentally, he would go on to score the last goal of 2022 for the first team only weeks later against New England.
The loss against the Fire on Decision Day was of heavy significance to Inter Miami CF II, as it eliminated the Florida side from playoff contention. Miami will see plenty of turnover on its roster following the signing of top goal scorer Shanyder Borgelin to the first team and the departure of league assist leader Romeo Beckham to Brentford B, English Premier League side Brentford's reserve team, on a six-month loan. Perhaps the biggest change will be seen on the bench for Miami: Federico Higuaín was announced as its new head coach for the 2023 season following the promotion of Darren Powell to the first team. The former MLS standout was Powell’s assistant in the 2022 season, and now will take the helm of the team’s sophomore season with a new coaching staff.
KEYS TO THE MATCH
Le Retour -Fire II will see the return of some familiar faces, as head coach Ludovic Taillandier and assistant Patrick Nyarko return to the sidelines. Despite missing the playoffs, Taillandier had a successful season helping young players like Monis, Victor Bezerra, Chris Brady, Sergio Oregel Jr. and Missael Rodríguez earn playing time with the first team. “We learned that details can make a difference,” said Taillandier after the season finale. “And then we learned how to be more together, whatever we do, in the good moments and in the bad moments.”
New Faces - Beside some returning players and Chicago Fire Academy additions, a handful of new faces will look to make their debuts with Chicago Fire II. Two selections from the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, Noah Egan and Billy Hency, have signed contracts with the team, as has DePaul University standout Jake Fuderer. On the other hand, USL Championship veteran Luka Prpa and former USL League One defender Eric Leonard will bring plenty of professional experience to a strong Fire II side.
New Boss in Town - A familiar face to Fire faithful took over a new position as Alex Boler was named as Chicago Fire II’s first General Manager. Boler is no stranger to the Club, previously serving in multiple roles since 2010, his last as the first team’s Senior Director of Operations. His new role will see him lead recruitment, contract negotiations and compliance with league standards and operations, among other responsibilities. Crucially, Boler will help develop a path for Fire II players to the first team and professional success.
HOW TO WATCH
Chicago Fire FC II begin the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season Sunday, March 26 against Inter Miami CF II at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. First kick in South Florida is set for 5 p.m. CT. The season opening match can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com, with future select games streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
