Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the regular season MLS clashes between Cincinnati and Chicago Fire will take place on July 6 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. I’m offering a bet on the total goals in this encounter with an attractive odds line.
Match preview
Cincinnati entered July in red-hot form, having won three games in a row and closing within a single point of Philadelphia in the race for the Eastern Conference lead. Pat Noonan’s side continues to play their trademark style—winning by narrow margins but always getting the job done. In recent matches, attacking leaders Evander and Denkey have been especially sharp, each racking up 11 goals and living up to their billing as goal machines.
Despite these impressive results, the Orange and Blue have started to look more vulnerable at home: their last two matches at TQL Stadium have yielded only a single point. Defensive absences, including Miles Robinson away on Gold Cup duty, could again be a factor here. Nevertheless, Cincinnati remains one of the league’s toughest home sides, and no team this season has beaten them twice in a row on their own turf.
Chicago Fire reminded everyone of their firepower last Saturday, engaging in a shootout and edging Charlotte 3-2. High-scoring thrillers have become a signature for Gregg Berhalter’s squad—11 of their 19 league games have featured four or more goals. Their away form is equally impressive: six wins, the second-best mark in MLS, and four times more than last year.
But for all their entertainment value, the Fire remain highly vulnerable at the back, especially against teams that can dictate the tempo. Lineup problems, including the absence of first-choice keeper Chris Brady, add to the risk of another chaotic, defensively fraught match. Still, history at TQL Stadium is on Chicago’s side: they’ve won three out of four visits there.
Probable lineups
- Cincinnati: Celentano; Flores, Miazga, Hadebe; Yedlin, Bucha, Anunga, Engel; Valenzuela, Evander; Denkey
- Chicago Fire: Gall; Dean, Rodgers, Elliott, Gutman; Acosta, Pineda; Zirkzee, Gutierrez, Bamba; Kuipers
Match facts and head-to-head
- Chicago Fire have won three of their last four matches in Cincinnati.
- Cincinnati are unbeaten in 2025 when leading at halftime (8 wins in 8 games).
- 11 of Chicago’s 19 MLS games this season have seen four or more goals scored.
Prediction
This game promises fireworks, with both sides set to attack from the start. Cincinnati are on fire, and the Fire are always up for a spectacle, especially on the road. The hosts look more consistent, know how to win tough matches, and will be eager to avenge previous home defeats to Chicago. Expect a high-scoring contest and back Cincinnati to win in an over match—our bet: "Total over 3.0" goals at 1.72 odds.
