Weekly Update: Chicago Fire FC’s Playoff Push Continues against Charlotte FC in North Carolina on Saturday

July 31, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Chicago Fire FC News Release

CHICAGO – Following a draw at home on Saturday night that extended the Club’s unbeaten streak to four games, Chicago Fire FC looks to continue their playoff push on Saturday, Aug. 6, against expansion team Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

With kickoff slated for 6:00 p.m. CT, the Fire’s first-ever matchup against the newest member of Major League Soccer will be televised on WGN-TV and CF97 Live, and transmitted locally in Spanish on TUDN 1200 AM.

The Fire (7-10-6, 27 points) enter the match currently sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, just two points outside of a playoff spot. Chicago will look to extend their unbeaten streak to five games against Charlotte, following a 0-0 tie against rival Atlanta United FC this past Saturday at Soldier Field. Saturday’s match saw Homegrown goalkeeper Gaga Slonina record his 10th clean sheet of the regular season, which currently ranks second best in all of Major League Soccer. They are also led by Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri and winger Chris Mueller, whose scoring touch has given Chicago a chance to contend for the postseason with the Fire claiming 10 out of the last 12 points possible.

On the other side, Charlotte (8-12-2, 26 points) currently sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Chicago in the standings, and three points behind a potential playoff spot. They currently have a game in hand on Chicago, due to a postponed match on Saturday night against the Columbus Crew. The match was halted after 17 minutes of play due to inclement weather and was rescheduled for a later date. However, Charlotte looks ahead to Wednesday, Aug. 3, as they host D.C. United at home, before hosting Chicago on Saturday.

Chicago will also see a familiar face in the opposing lineup in Brandt Bronico, who was a third-round selection (47th overall) by Chicago in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.Bronico played 66 matches in four seasons with the Fire, notching two goals and nine assists in 40 starts for the Club before returning to his hometown in 2020.

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