Fire are having another bad season, but they’re decent lately.

The original MLS expansion team, the Chicago Fire, experienced success during the pre-Don Garber MLS era. Prior to the arrival of the Seattle Sounders, all expansion teams, including the Fire, struggled. Chicago has recorded only one season with more than 10 wins in the past decade and last won a major trophy in 2006. Frank Klopas, who is currently in his third term as head coach (fifth if you include interim stints), holds a 51-73-30 record and remains a respected figure in the Chicagoland area.

Both teams have similar recent records, with a 2-1-2 performance in their last five matches. The Seattle Sounders have a season record of 6-7-7 with a +2 goal difference, placing them 10th in the Western Conference (with a home points-per-match average of 1.56). Meanwhile, the Fire hold a 4-9-6 record, with a -11 goal difference, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference (with an away points-per-match average of 0.78).

Responding to questions about the ’97 Chicago Fire is Alex.

SaH: Looking at it from the outside, the five most frequently used midfielders appear to form a solid foundation for the team. However, they haven’t been able to gel. Is this due to their personalities or the tactics being employed?

MiR: Regrettably, the Fire have struggled to establish a consistent midfield partnership this season, whether due to injuries, fitness issues, or poor form. While Kellyn Acosta has been a significant addition, it took him some time to adapt to his new team. Additionally, veteran Gastón Giménez has shown signs of decline, leading to Fabian Herbers becoming a mainstay in the central midfield. Xherdan Shaqiri was heavily relied upon in the early part of the season, but with his absence during the European Championships and amidst rumors of his permanent departure, the team has adapted and shown more fluidity in their attacking play. It’s possible that the Fire may seek to bring in another midfielder during the summer transfer window to partner effectively with Acosta. For now, they are making do with the available options, meaning Herbers is likely to continue in a deeper role, different from his usual position.

SaH: In the absence of Shaqiri, Klopas has switched to an unusual formation with three defenders. This has often put Brian Gutiérrez in charge of the team’s offense. How has he adapted as a relatively experienced player at just 21 years old?

MiR: The transition to a 3-5-2 formation following Shaqiri’s departure has benefited the entire offense, with Gutiérrez particularly flourishing. Initially, the 21-year-old had a slow start to the season while being deployed out on the left wing due to Shaqiri’s role, which affected his confidence in games from March to May.

However, since returning to his natural central position, he has shown more energy and liveliness, elevating the performances of players around him, including the club’s record designated player Hugo Cuypers. After securing a significant U-22 Initiative contract in the offseason, there are high expectations for Gutiérrez to carry the team, and he has begun to fulfill the hype in recent weeks.

SaH: The defense appears to be in flux. Have the Fire uncovered a hidden talent through all the lineup changes?

MiR: The switch to a three-man backline has generally provided more stability compared to the four-back system used in the previous season and the beginning of this one. The center back position is an area of strength and depth for the Fire, with Rafa Czichos and Mauricio Pineda serving as capable ball-playing defenders, supported by the athletic and dominant aerial presence of Carlos Terán in the back three. While Czichos missed some action recently as he finalized his U.S. green card, allowing Arnaud Souquet to make a rare appearance, he is expected to return to the starting lineup this weekend alongside Pineda and Terán.