FC Cincinnati Host Chicago Fire FC for Pride Night

Orange and Blue look to continue home success against Eastern Conference rivals

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:30pm

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting a soccer match, with sharp geometric planes in the teams' official colors of orange, blue, red, and white, conveying the competitive spirit of the Eastern Conference rivals.The geometric, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and energy of the Eastern Conference clash between FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire FC, with the teams' official colors creating a visually striking composition.Chicago Today

FC Cincinnati return home to TQL Stadium on Saturday night to host the Chicago Fire FC in an Eastern Conference clash, with the match also serving as Pride Night for the club and community. FCC is looking to build on their strong home record this season, while the Fire have gotten off to a hot start in 2026 with one of the league's stingiest defenses.

Why it matters

This matchup between Midwestern rivals FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire FC is an important Eastern Conference clash as both teams jockey for position early in the season. Additionally, the match serves as Pride Night at TQL Stadium, providing an opportunity for the club and community to celebrate, support and honor the LGBTQIA+ community.

The details

FC Cincinnati is 4-1-0 at home this season and will look to continue that success against a tough Chicago Fire FC squad. The Fire have one of the league's best defenses, led by veteran center back Jack Elliot and newcomer Mbekezeli Mbokazi. On the attacking end, the Fire have been paced by the likes of Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel, though they've been without star forward Hugo Cuypers due to injury.

  • FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire FC last met in the 2025 season, with FCC earning their first ever season sweep over the Fire.
  • Midfielder Pavel Bucha and defender Matt Miazga are both approaching 100 all-time appearances for FC Cincinnati, currently sitting on 96 appearances each.

The players

Tom Barlow

Forward who will face his former side, the Chicago Fire, for the first time since signing with FC Cincinnati in January 2026. Barlow made 50 MLS Regular Season appearances for the Fire between 2024-2025.

Evander

Midfielder who has been highly productive against the Chicago Fire, recording 4 goal contributions (3 goals, 1 assist) in just 2 appearances against them since joining FC Cincinnati prior to the 2025 season.

Jack Elliot

30-year-old veteran center back in his second season with the Chicago Fire and 10th in MLS, after spending 8 years with Philadelphia Union.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

20-year-old center back who is new to MLS this season, joining the Fire from South African side Orlando Pirates and has been a key part of Chicago's stingy defense.

Chris Brady

22-year-old American goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire who would be making his 100th MLS appearance on Saturday if he starts.

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What they’re saying

“It's been inconsistent. The Montreal game we get a result, but our play was inconsistent, in my opinion. I think Atlanta, the opener, was probably our strongest home performance, but we just need to be more consistent with our play, home and away.”

— Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati Head Coach

“Comfort on the ball, pace, physicality. He's been strong for them. It's noticeable.”

— Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This match between FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire FC is an important Eastern Conference clash as both teams look to establish themselves early in the season. Additionally, the Pride Night festivities will provide an opportunity for the club and community to celebrate diversity and inclusion.