Orlando City vs Chicago Fire prediction, H2H and probable lineups — June 1, 2025
Chicago Fire FC
In the MLS regular season, Orlando City will face off against Chicago Fire. The match is set for the night of Sunday, June 1, with kickoff scheduled for 01:30 Central European Time. I’m backing goals in this encounter.
Match preview
Orlando has been a model of consistency in recent years, regularly securing playoff spots and making deeper runs in the postseason bracket. Last year, they advanced all the way to the semifinals, narrowly losing to New York Red Bulls.
Before the new season, the club parted ways with arguably their main striker, Facundo Torres, for whom Brazilian side Palmeiras paid over €11 million. Martín Ojeda has stepped up as the main goal threat, with Luis Muriel also hitting solid form.
Óscar Pareja has found the right balance on the pitch, and the team continues to play at their usual high level. After 16 matches, Orlando City sits fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, even ahead of Inter Miami for now.
They’re one of the league’s most prolific sides, but away results have been an issue. Most of their points have come at home, where they’ve been especially convincing in recent outings.
Chicago, on the other hand, could be called a road team, having collected two-thirds of their points away from home. Poor results at their own stadium have kept them out of the playoff zone so far, but there’s still plenty of time left.
Since 2017, the Fire haven’t had much to celebrate in MLS, missing out on the playoffs for seven straight years. The team gradually sank down the table until hitting rock bottom last season, finishing dead last.
Gregg Berhalter was brought in to turn things around, taking over as head coach. The 51-year-old led the US national team to two CONCACAF Nations League titles and a Gold Cup victory.
It’s too early to judge his work, but there are definite signs of progress. Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers remains the club’s main weapon, netting a third of their goals. Overall, the Fire look much improved compared to last season.
Match facts
- Orlando have lost two of their last three matches.
- At home, Orlando have only lost twice this year.
- The Fire have just one defeat in their last six matches.
- Chicago haven’t drawn an away game since August last year.
- Orlando average 2.5 goals per home game, while Chicago average 2.25 goals per game on the road.
Probable lineups
- Orlando City: Gallese, Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo, Pašalić, Gerbet, Angulo Cortés, Muriel, Ojeda, Enrique.
- Chicago Fire: Brady, Dean, Rogers, Elliott, Gutman, Oregel, Pineda, Ghaile-Selassie, Bamba, Zinkernagel, Cuypers.
H2H
- Chicago haven’t beaten Orlando in eight straight matches.
- Orlando have won the last five home games against the Fire.
Prediction
The hosts are clear favorites in this matchup. Chicago are dealing with squad issues after red cards in their last game, but they’ve been strong on the road. The Fire will put up a fight, but will it be enough for a positive result? Both teams play attacking football and score plenty. I’m leaning towards an Orlando win, given their home strength, but to minimize risk, I’m backing over 2.5 total goals.
