Chicago Fire vs Charlotte preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Soldier Field Sun, 2 Aug - 12:30 AM
Major League Soccer
Chicago FireCHI
2 1
CharlotteCHL
Full Time Sun, 2 Aug 12:30 AM
Regular Season
Robert Lewandowski - 20', 68'
Goal
|
Goal
Pep Biel - 18'

CONTEXT

In a match where Chicago Fire emerged victorious over Charlotte with a final score of 2-1, the game remained balanced at halftime with both sides finding the net once. Chicago Fire, identified as the stronger team, overcame Charlotte despite the visitors enjoying 54 percent possession compared to the home side's 46 percent. The expected goals tally stood at 1.37 for Chicago Fire and 1.27 for Charlotte, indicating a marginal edge that aligned with the actual result. No red cards were shown to either team, allowing the match to proceed without major disruptions. The performance showed a significant structural deviation for the winning side, yet the efficiency remained in line with projections. This result highlighted Chicago Fire's ability to capitalize on opportunities effectively.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Chicago Fire 2-1 Charlotte. Chicago Fire showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift was in line with the overall performance metrics.
  • xG alignment: The final result was consistent with the expected goals distribution.
  • Market alignment: The outcome aligned with pre-match projections.
  • xG expectations: Chicago Fire generated 1.37 xG compared to Charlotte's 1.27 xG.
  • Event impact: Key events contributed to Chicago Fire securing the victory.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards occurred, leading to no distortion in the match dynamics.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
J. Freemon
J. Freemon
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
A. Bigelow
A. Bigelow
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
N. Balcer
N. Balcer
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
C. Radosav
C. Radosav
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Chicago Fire G. Berhalter
G. Berhalter
VS
Charlotte D. Smith
D. Smith
1.63
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.47
1.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
New York City Rank: 67 L
Inter Miami Rank: 76 L
Toronto Rank: 60 W
CF Montréal Rank: 59 W
DC United Rank: 59 W
New York RB Rank: 62 L
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.83 i
Last 6 Opponents
New York RB Rank: 61 W
Atlanta United Rank: 55 D
New England Rank: 63 W
Toronto Rank: 60 W
New York City Rank: 70 L
Cincinnati Rank: 69 D
2
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
2 - 0 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
66.97
66.28
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Chicago Fire
Charlotte
Power Score
66.97
66.28
League Position
4
7
Global Rank
395
414

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Chicago Fire — Opponent-weighted form score
Charlotte — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Chicago Fire Charlotte

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Chicago Fire

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Charlotte

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Chicago Fire ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Charlotte
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
34.78
30.09
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
30.09
34.78
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Chicago Fire +0.33 Efficiency Index
vs
Charlotte -0.33 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Chicago Fire
Charlotte
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Chicago Fire
vs
Charlotte
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Chicago Fire Charlotte
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
4%
3%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.06 vs -0.04
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Chicago Fire Charlotte
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
3%
4%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.04 vs -0.06
Chicago Fire
Charlotte
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Chicago Fire
vs
Charlotte
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Chicago Fire Charlotte
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Chicago Fire 0.35
Charlotte 0.31
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Chicago Fire Charlotte
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Chicago Fire 0.02
Charlotte 0.05
Chicago Fire
Charlotte
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • CHI had peak pressure around 33'.
  • CHL started the game with stronger pressure.
CHI Pressure CHL Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: CHI reached the top pressure at 33' (80.56).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Chicago Fire CHI Home
4 matches
Charlotte CHL Away
Match Record
2
Wins
2
0
Draws
0
2
Losses
2
Goals
10
Goals Scored
8
8
Goals Conceded
10
+2
Goal Difference
-2
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-03T00:00:22+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-3-3
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 02, 2026, 12:30 AM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Soldier Field
Capacity
14286
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Jon Freemon
Andrew Bigelow
Nick Balcer
Calin Radosav

Statistics

Possession
CHI
49%
CHL
51%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 1
3 Big Chances Created 0
4 Shots 4
40 Dangerous attacks 45
46 Possession 54
8 Corners 6
7 Free kicks 8
3 Yellow Cards 0

Match Overview

58 Ball Safe 59
8 Goal Kicks 10
7 Goal Attempts 6
3 Substitutions 4
15 Throwins 13
6 Successful Headers 6
2 Assists 1
1 Injuries 0
7 Dribble Attempts 12
6 Successful Dribbles 8
86 Successful Dribbles Percentage 67

Attacking

103 Attacks 90
2 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

51 Long Passes 46
463 Passes 532
406 Successful Passes 480
88 Successful Passes Percentage 90
14 Key Passes 11
23 Successful Long Passes 20
45 Successful Long Passes Percentage 43

Defensive

0 Saves 3
17 Tackles 9
3 Interceptions 5
36 Duels Won 31

Build-up

18 Total Crosses 24
3 Accurate Crosses 6

Discipline

3 Offsides 3
8 Fouls 7

Lineup

Referee : Jon Freemon

Starting XI ▼

1
Chris Brady
Chris Brady Goalkeeper
6.37
2
Leonardo Barroso
Leonardo Barroso Defender
6.99
3
Jack Elliott
Jack Elliott (C) Defender
6.76
15
Andrew Gutman
Andrew Gutman Defender
6.8
16
Joel Waterman
Joel Waterman Defender
6.88
6
Anton Salétros
Anton Salétros Midfielder
6.82
11
Philip Zinckernagel
Philip Zinckernagel Midfielder
8.66
19
Jonathan Bamba
Jonathan Bamba Midfielder
6.79
12
Puso Dithejane
Puso Dithejane
Attacker74'
6.85
42
Djé D'Avilla
Djé D'Avilla Midfielder
6.92
22
Mauricio Pineda
Mauricio Pineda
Defender88'
9
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski Attacker
2
8.93
17
Robin Lod
Robin Lod Attacker
7.25
7
Maren Haile-Selassie
Maren Haile-Selassie
Midfielder88'
Referee : Jon Freemon

Starting XI ▼

1
Kristijan Kahlina
Kristijan Kahlina Goalkeeper
6.85
14
Nathan Byrne
Nathan Byrne Defender
6.7
15
Harry Toffolo
Harry Toffolo Defender
6.51
23
David Schnegg
David Schnegg
Defender69'
6.34
22
Henry Kessler
Henry Kessler Defender
6.73
44
Agyemang Morrison
Agyemang Morrison Defender
6.86
8
Ashley Westwood
Ashley Westwood (C) Midfielder
6.95
17
Luca de la Torre
Luca de la Torre Midfielder
7.21
13
Brandt Bronico
Brandt Bronico
Midfielder86'
28
Djibril Diani
Djibril Diani Midfielder
6.35
9
Idan Toklomati
Idan Toklomati Attacker
7.2
7
Archie Goodwin
Archie Goodwin
Attacker86'
11
Liel Abada
Liel Abada Attacker
6.28
37
Rodolfo Aloko
Rodolfo Aloko
Attacker77'
6.48
16
Pep Biel
Pep Biel Attacker
7.88

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Robert Lewandowski
Argument / 3rd Yellowcard
90+5'
Event
Mauricio Pineda → Djé D'Avilla
6th Substitution
88'
Event
Maren Haile-Selassie → Robin Lod
7th Substitution
88'
86'
Event
Brandt Bronico → Luca de la Torre
4th Substitution
86'
Event
Archie Goodwin → Idan Toklomati
5th Substitution
77'
Event
Rodolfo Aloko → Liel Abada
3rd Substitution
Event
Puso Dithejane → Jonathan Bamba
2nd Substitution
74'
69'
Event
David Schnegg → Harry Toffolo
1st Substitution
Event
Robert Lewandowski
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
68'
Event
Joel Waterman
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
59'
1ST-HALF
Event
Robert Lewandowski
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
20'
18'
Event
Pep Biel
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
Event
Anton Salétros
1st Yellowcard
10'

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Robert Lewandowski receives a yellow card.
90
Update Update
Offside.
90
Update Update
Offside.
90
Attempt Attempt
Puso Dithejane takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
87
Update Update
Offside.
86
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Archie Goodwin comes on for Idan Toklomati.
86
Update Update
On Brandt Bronico, off Luca De La Torre.
82
Update Update
Offside.
81
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
77
Update Update
Rodolfo Aloko comes on for Liel Abada.
74
Update Update
On Puso Dithejane comes on, Jonathan Bamba goes off.
73
Update Update
On Puso Dithejane comes on, Jonathan Bamba goes off.
73
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Pep Biel Mas Jaume with his left foot, but it's blocked.
72
Attempt Attempt
Robert Lewandowski takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
69
Update Update
David Schnegg comes on for Harry Toffolo.
68
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Robert Lewandowski takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
68
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Robert Lewandowski scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Robin Lod.
66
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
63
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
62
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
62
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
61
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
59
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
57
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
56
Attempt Attempt
Philip Zinckernagel takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
56
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
53
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
53
Update Update
Offside.
52
Update Update
Offside.
51
Attempt Attempt
Jonathan Bamba's right-footed shot is blocked.
47
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
46
Attempt Attempt
Philip Zinckernagel's left-footed shot is blocked.
45
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
45
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
45
Attempt Attempt
Liel Abada's right-footed shot is blocked.
44
Attempt Attempt
Robin Lod takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
43
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a left-footed shot, but it misses the target.
42
Attempt Attempt
Idan Toklomati takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
36
Attempt Attempt
Robin Lod takes a left-footed shot but misses.
34
Attempt Attempt
Harry Toffolo takes a left-footed shot but misses.
33
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a shot with his right foot, but it is blocked.
32
Attempt Attempt
Andrew Gutman takes a header shot, but it misses the target.
32
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
31
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
24
Attempt Attempt
Robin Lod takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
22
Attempt Attempt
Liel Abada takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
20
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Robert Lewandowski takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
20
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Robert Lewandowski scores, bringing the match to 1-1.
18
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot from Pep Biel Mas Jaume with a right-footed shot results in a goal.
18
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 0-1.
17
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a left-footed shot but misses.
14
Attempt Attempt
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
14
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
10
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
8
Attempt Attempt
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
7
Attempt Attempt
Luca De La Torre takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
6
Update Update
Offside.
1
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a left-footed shot, but it misses the target.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Jon Freemon.

CONCLUSION

The victory for Chicago Fire in this 2-1 encounter against Charlotte underscores their resilience and tactical adaptability throughout the ninety minutes. Starting from an even position at the break, they managed to pull ahead in the second half through precise execution. With expected goals closely matched, the narrow win reflects the competitive nature of the fixture. The absence of any dismissals ensured a full-strength battle until the end, contributing to the clean outcome. Overall, this result reinforces Chicago Fire's standing as the superior side in this matchup, demonstrating consistency between their underlying metrics and the scoreboard. The game provided insights into how small margins can determine the final standings in such balanced contests.