Chicago Fire FC vs. CF Montréal: High Stakes and Defensive Pressure Take Center Stage on July 19

Chicago Fire Sets Sights on Montréal Amid Defensive Woes

When you look at the numbers, Chicago Fire FC and CF Montréal might seem worlds apart, but both teams will step onto the pitch at Stade Saputo on July 19 with something to prove. Chicago, led by head coach Gregg Berhalter, comes in carrying the weight of a frustrating 2-2 draw against Atlanta United. That outcome felt more like a defeat, especially after letting in a late goal. Still, Chicago keeps finding the net, racking up 42 goals this year—third best in MLS. But their defense? Not so stellar. The squad has already conceded 40 goals, which puts them among the league's leakiest at the back.

Berhalter isn’t hiding his disappointment. "It’s a point that feels like a loss," he admitted after the Atlanta game. There’s no room for complacency when you’re nursing slim playoff hopes. Chicago’s attack, powered by Philip Zinckernagel—who now has 10 goals and a handful of assists—is always threatening. Hugo Cuypers leads the team in scoring with 13 to his name, making him another player Montréal’s defense can’t ignore. But now, for the first time this season, Berhalter is shaking up his squad: Jonathan Bamba is dropped from the starting eleven, with Maren Haile-Selassie filling his shoes following a goal and assist against Atlanta.

Montréal: Defensive Upgrades Face Their Biggest Test

Now, flip to Montréal’s camp. They’re stinging from a 2-1 defeat to Philadelphia Union, but things have actually looked a bit better defensively. Interim boss Marco Donadel keeps pushing his team to learn from past mistakes and stay organized at the back. Still, the numbers don’t lie: Montréal has struggled all season, picking up just 15 points from 23 games and surrendering goals at a worrying rate. To change their fortunes, Montréal will count on the newly returned Fabian Herbers—former Fire player—to spark something against his old team. Joel Waterman and Olwethu Makhanya are also tasked with holding the line, a job that will get no easier against one of the best-attacking teams in the league.

Recent history between these two isn’t exactly one-sided. In March, they battled to a 1-1 draw at Soldier Field, with Zinckernagel again at the heart of the action. Montréal claimed victory the last time the Fire visited Stade Saputo, coming away 2-0 winners in September last year. But consistency has been hard to find for Montréal, especially at home.

Fatigue could also play a role. Chicago is hitting the road for their third match in just eight days, and squad rotation is starting to look less like an option and more like a necessity. For both teams, this game comes down to who can plug their defensive leaks while creating something up front. Can Chicago finally shore up their backline and grab points away from home? Or will Montréal find their spark and prevent one of MLS’s most potent attacks from running riot?

The scene is set for more drama—a must-watch, especially if you like your soccer unpredictable and fiercely competitive.