News: Chicago Fire Fanaddict NEWS: May 16, 2026

Chicago Fire availability report vs CF Montréal #cf97 #VamosFire pic.twitter.com/oJ2DDkDxcV

— Joe Chatz (@JoeChatz) May 15, 2026

 

One of the many reasons why we can look forward to the new stadium is avoiding having to reschedule game locations because of the Losers on the Lake (Bears). Seems like most of any playoff run will have to be in Bridgeview up until the Conference Final if the Fire make it.

Oh and screw the Bears. I hope they go to Northern Indiana.

 

So Dje is out, that means Pineda slides in for him. If Saletros can't go, then does Oregel get off the bench. Oh wait, another head injury, so probably not. Facemask Lod goes there. I would think that MHS would probably be the third mid tomorrow.

Lod - Pineda - Saletros
MHS - Pineda - Lod

Do we move Bamba or Zinck centrally and add in Puso on the wing? For as much quality depth the Fire have, it feels a bit thin at midfield right now.

 

I’d like to see Bamba pulled into a box to box role…and roll out a 4-3-3…probably MHS over Puso, but could be good coaching move to inspire confidence…and be ready to sub MHS when it ain’t working.

……….……Cuypers
…Puso……………………Zinck
…………Bamba…..Oregel
…………….Pineda
Gutman…TLB…Elliott…Borso
………………Brady

 

MIR97 preview for MTL match posted yesterday mentioned that playing with
a 4-4-2 formation rather than 4-3-3 may result in one fewer centrally located midfielder to play defense. We all know play on the field may or may not jibe
with the formation listed.
Could it this be at least part of the explanation for “ bad stretches” of play?

 

FOR SURE!

We haven't finished adapting to the new shifts the 4-4-2 brings between attacking, defending, attacking. Add to that Davilla and Saletros are either not syncing up well or the expectations of Davilla being 'the link' with the back line isn't working well. Furthermore, Bamba has not been covering as much on defense (as needed and as much as he did at the start of the season)...way too often he is now trailing slowly, kinda trying to 'stay open' for when we get a turnover, but it leaves Gutman and whoever is playing LCB overloaded...and Davilla isn't getting over there either.

If GGG is preparing us for a Cupyers + Lewy attack that midfield connection with the back line has to improve.

 

I heard before the season began but only just today saw it posted online from a second source, but apparently we’ve been trying to move Cuypers. Not sure I believe it but maybe that’s been part of his motivation.

 

All things considered, it would be surprising if there was no attempt to get a feel for his transfer value. That would be the prudent thing to do.
That would be far different than a serious marketing attempt. No idea which is happening/ happened.

 

If moving Cuypers was actually 'targeted', I don't think we'd be experimenting with the 4-4-2

That said, the business side of the club should always be 'looking at the market' for options that make us better and/or generate revenue to fund making us better.

 

Chicago Fire II’s Jack Sandmeyer signed a short-term agreement with the Chicago Fire for their contest vs CF Montréal. Sandmeyer played in the midfield in college, so he is an option there #cf97 #VamosFire

— Joe Chatz (@JoeChatz) May 16, 2026

 

Les onze ⬇️ #cf97 pic.twitter.com/nw8AMW7wUr

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) May 16, 2026

Hmmmmm

FWIW, the MLS site indicates 4-3-3 with Waterman at the 6. I like it

 

Hmmmmm is right comment. Is Waterman a good enough passer to play as a 6?

 

I'll just say, he has past experience at CDM....good enough remains to be seen.

 

TV says 4-2-3-1. We will see.
(By the way, only 3 of the 10 total matches he played DM were in MLS.)

 

Would the Fire still be trying to do this? Have the Fire ever had a player score in 10 straight games? Seems like the team should be signing him to a longer contract, not try to sell one of the two best players.

 

I’m with you. I wouldn’t sell Cuypers.