Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back from his Independence Day vacation with a few stories to tell and with his analysis of the Chicago Fire's loss at FC Cincinnati. Tune in as he breaks down the advanced stats and discusses whether it meets up with the eye test. Also, is Berhalter's failure to generate offense with the USMNT starting to show up with the Men in Red? In the second half of the show, Nick looks the Fire's US Open Cup matchup against Minnesota United. He also looks back on some of the his...
Jul 09, 2025•26 min•Ep. 171
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire earned their second home win of the season against Charlotte FC, completing the season sweep of their Eastern Conference rival. Spectacular individual efforts combined with team play to deliver a commanding 3-0 halftime lead that was enough for the Men in Red. Tune in as Nick breaks down the stats, player performances - kudos to Jonathan Dean - and looks at the schedule ahead. Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & rev...
Jul 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 170
Hey, soccer fans! In this episode of Feed the Fire, Nick talks about what happened between Monterrey Security and a number of fans at the latest Chicago Fire FC match. He details the Major League Soccer fan code of conduct, breaks down the incidents that occurred, and voices his concern for how Monterrey Security acts with impunity and goes outside the law when "policing" events. Nick also discusses the loss to the Philadelphia Union, breaks down the stats, and looks forward to the upcoming matc...
Jun 28, 2025•42 min•Ep. 169
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back and this time he's bring the kids! Tune in as our host breaks down the players in the lead for Major League Soccer's All-Star game fan voting. He also takes a look at the rules and selection procedures. Then, with the help of his three kids, Nick analyzes which players from the Chicago Fire are worth of All-Star selection by head coach Nico Estevez of Austin FC. It should come as no surprise to you that Hugo Cuypers, Philip Zinckernagel, Chris Brady, and Jonathan B...
Jun 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 168
Hey, soccer fans! Nick bad with another episode of Feed the Fire. Nashville SC once again played boogeyman to the Chicago Fire this time defeating them 2-0 at home. The Men in Red generated a number of opportunities, but couldn't convert in the end. Nashville took advantage of the few shots on goal they had, and were able to sweep the Fire in the 2025 MLS season. Tune in as we break down the tactics, stats, and player performances from the match. Nick also takes the time to review the Eastern Co...
Jun 20, 2025•38 min•Ep. 167
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire defeated DC United 7-1 in a historic victory. Tom Barlow had a hat-trick, Jason Shokalook had an assist in his first MLS match, Philip Zinckernagel played the 10 position, and did we mention Tom Barlow had a hat trick!? Tune in for the stats, impressions, and outlook on the season after this win. Nick also previews the Fire's match against Nashville SC, a team sitting in 4th in the Eastern Conference, and a team that hasn't lost in 10 straight matches across al...
Jun 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 166
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back with more Chicago Fire talk. In this episode, we pick up the conversation about the Fire's new stadium announcement with a focus on seating, capacity, and ticket prices. There has been a lot of criticism around only having 22,000 seats and the fears of rising prices, but this is the standard for soccer specific stadiums and MLS clubs. Also, the organization will be able to create a neighborhood-wide match day experience. Tune in for Nick's thoughts on these topics ...
Jun 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 165
Big news for Chicago Fire fans! The club finally announced their new, Chicago stadium! In this episode, Nick dives deep into the latest Chicago Fire FC stadium news , what it means for the future of soccer in Chicago , and how it could reshape the MLS landscape in 2025 . He also gives his thoughts on the use of the stadium outside of soccer events and why the White Sox should be kept far away from thsi development. 📌 Topics Covered: Chicago Fire new stadium updates Quotes from Joe Mansueto and ...
Jun 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 164
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire have bounced back again. The loss at NYCFC is in the rear view, and the Men in Red put on a great performance against Orlando City SC, winning in Orlando, and taking 4 points from their Eastern Conference rivals this season. Tune in as Nick breaks down the match trends, stats, and outstanding performances of the match. John Donovan also lends his thoughts, and be sure to leave your comments below! Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subs...
Jun 02, 2025•31 min•Ep. 163
Hey, soccer fans! Welcome back to Feed the Fire! Today, we catch up on some listener comments, recap the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Chicago Fire's 3-1 loss at NYCFC, and look forward to their next match against Orlando City. Of note, we break down the key plays, goals, red cards, and status from the match. Is Brian Gutierrez mature enough to be the main man for the Men in Red? Where's Kellyn Acosta? Can Cuypers, Bamba, and Zinckernagel keep scoring without better midfield play? All this ...
May 30, 2025•42 min•Ep. 162
Hey, soccer fans! It's a great time to support the Chicago Fire! The club is on a 4 game win-streak across all competitions. They've moved into a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference standings and advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, and they are about to announce signing international superstar Kevin DeBruyne! (If you believe the international reports.) Tune in as we breakdown all the news for the Men in Red and preview their match against NYCFC this upcoming Sunday. Nick is pred...
May 23, 2025•24 min•Ep. 161
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back after a two-week break. Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of soccer? In this episode, Nick takes a look back at the last four matches played by the Men In Red. He discusses the stats, plays, and trends from this time, and looks just a bit forward to the Fire's US Open Cup matchup vs. New England Revolution. Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing the show. Follow the Fire on SportSpyder . ...
May 20, 2025•53 min•Ep. 160
Hey, soccer fans! That was a historically bad performance we witnessed as fans of the Chicago Fire. It seems like we say that at least once a season. At least we get it out of the way early in 2025...? The Men in Red conceded a franchise record seven goals en route to a 7-2 loss in Nashville. The defense absoltely came apart, the offense couldn't get anything going, and the team looked like it gave up barely 25 minutes into the match. What's the issue: injuries, roster construction, tactics, mot...
Apr 30, 2025•39 min•Ep. 159
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire made a statement in their draw against Inter Miami CF this weekend. Despite a lack of goals by both clubs, the Men in Red showed the league that they can go toe-to-toe with the best in MLS. Both clubs had opportunities to find the net, and Chicago couldn't find the finishing touch to steal a win late. Hopefully this adds momentum and confidence as the club looks toward a tough stretch of matches. In this episode Nick also examines the reported offer the Chicago...
Apr 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 157
Hey, soccer fans! We all knew the Chicago Fire's unbeaten run had to end sometime, but I just wish it wasn't after outplaying the New York Red Bulls and giving up a couple preventable goals. The Men in Red's injuries and lack of depth is starting to show, but despite the defensive woes, the offensive put up good stats - except where it mattered most: the scoreboard. Listen in as our host breaks down MLS' coverage of the Fire, recaps the Red Bulls match, and previews their next opponent - a hopef...
Apr 10, 2025•40 min•Ep. 156
Hey, soccer fans! After a tough draw against CF Montreal, the Chicago Fire may be running out of steam. A five-game point streak is no easy accomplishment, and the roster continues to see injuries. Tune in to hear how new signing Dje D'Avilla can help the Men in Red's midfield woes, and what the Fire need to do to continue their fine run of form against the reigning Eastern Conference champions: the New York Red Bulls. Nick recaps the stats, the plays and players, and trends from the latest matc...
Apr 03, 2025•46 min•Ep. 155
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back recapping the Vancouver match and previewing the Chicago Fire's next opponent: a struggling CF Montreal. The Fire used their wingers and their attack to keep Vancouver on their backheels most of the match, and the Men in Red will surely look to unleash their offense against a CF Montreal club that has only scored 2 goals on the season, and none in their last 4 matches. Nick predicts a 3-0 win at home. What are your expectations? Tune in and join the conversation! M...
Mar 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 154
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire are on a 2 game win streak, having won two in a row on the road. Tune in as we recap the key moments, stats, and tactics from the Men in Red's victory over Toronto FC. We also look ahead to the Fire's next match, another road game in Canada, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Nick breaks down the top players for Vancouver and how the USMNT's upcoming Nations League match will affect the lineups for both teams. Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like...
Mar 20, 2025•38 min•Ep. 153
Hey, soccer fans! Welcome back to Feed the Fire, where in this episode we are previewing the Chicago Fire's next match - an away game at Toronto FC. Join our host as he looks at Toronto's roster, formation, and recent run of form before predicting the outcome. Nick also looks at a new piece of proposed legisltation in Illinois: The BEARS Act. If passed, this law would condition public funding for new stadiums to a team's on-field performance. Think it's just a political message or does the law h...
Mar 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 152
Hey, soccer fans! It's always a better week when your team wins, and it's a much better week in the Windy City! The Chicago Fire won their first match of the season, a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas. The Men in Red keep the Brimstone Cup and show the grit and tenacity necessary to win when you're dealing with injuries. Tune in as Nick breaks down the key plays, stats, and tactics of the match. In the second half, Nick examines advanced goalkeeping statistics and compares Chris Brady to the rest of t...
Mar 11, 2025•46 min•Ep. 151
Hey, soccer fans! Welcome back to Feed the Fire, where in today's episode we are previewing the Chicago Fire's upcoming match against FC Dallas. The two clubs haven't met since 2022, and both have turned over their rosters this past off-season. Dallas boasts a strong attack, led by former league MVP and FC Cincinnatti star, Lucho Acosta. The key for Chicago's Men in Red will be to keep Dallas spread out and on their heels by playing wide and counter-attacking. Nick also briefly reviews the histo...
Mar 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 150
Hey, soccer fans! It was cold on the lakefront for the Chicago Fire's home opener against DC United, but the crowd got fired up from two goals from Hugo Cuypers before being left in the cold - again - by a last-second equalizer. Tune in as Nick breaks down the lineup, stats, and performance of the Men in Red. We also hear from special guest John Donovan on his impressions of the match. In the second half of the show, we discuss the potential problem between Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Dean,...
Mar 04, 2025•44 min•Ep. 149
Hey, soccer fans! MLS is back at it again, this time with the MLS Disciplinary Committee issuing a fine to Leo Messi and Luis Suarez for their actions against NYCFC - grabbing the neck of an opposing player and coach - but suspending the Chicago Fire's Brian Gutierrez for a match after a hard foul and contact to an opponent's head. Are we seeing The Messi Rules finally coming into plain view? Or do you think these two instances can be reconciled? In the second half of the show, Nick previews the...
Feb 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 148
Hey, soccer fans! MLS IS BACK! And it feels like the Chicago Fire never left, after an opening weekend loss where they let a 2-1 lead spiral into a 4-2 defeat. The Men in Red quickly showed what the new lineup is capable of, with Jonathan Bamba assisting two Brian Gutierrez goals. But the defense showed they need work and the roster is still not complete as the Columbus Crew were able to score three straight to seal the victory. Tune in as our host breaks down the stats, analyzes the film, and g...
Feb 25, 2025•28 min•Ep. 147
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back after a whirlwind week encompassing four different interviews. Be sure to check out The Designated Players Podcast, News Across the Galaxy, Battered MLS Fans, and The Wisemen Say Podcast for all of Nick's latest appearances and his spreading the knowledge of the Men in Red across the league. In this episode, we recap the Chicago Fire's pre-season performances and look ahead to the regular season. The "experts" at mlssoccer.com have predicted the Fire finish 9th pla...
Feb 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 146
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back talking Chicago Fire roster moves and pre-season lineups. The Men in Red continue to make signings to add depth to their lineup and the organization. This past week the club welcomes Omar Gonzalez and Claudio Cassano and saw the arrival of Jonathan Bamba to the training pitch. The Fire have yet to score in two pre-season matches, and the players are still getting used to their new teammates, but there are many reasons for optimism around the club. There's also opti...
Feb 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 145
Hey, soccer fans! No news from the Chicago Fire this week, so we're looking big picture around Major League Soccer. Specifically, we're breaking down the new and improved Leagues Cup format where teams compete in ranked tiers against the opposing league for a berth in the knockout rounds. We also take a look at the possibility of MLS changing its schedule to align with the international calendar. And finally, we look at the valuation of MLS franchises and what the Men in Red can do to rank up. T...
Feb 04, 2025•33 min•Ep. 144
Hey, soccer fans! The MLS sesaon is just around the corner, and the clubs have learned which North American cup competitions they'll be participating in. Tune in as our host breaks down the qualifying criteria and rounds up where each club will be playing. Whether Concacaf Champsions Cup, Leagues Cup, US Open Cup, or the Canadian Championship, be sure to support your squad. In the second half of the show, Nick discusses the likelihood of the Chicago Fire filling their third Designated Player pos...
Jan 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 143
Hey, soccer fans, welcome back to Feed the Fire. We've got updates on Neymar, Rominigue Kouame, Robert Turdean, Federico Navarro, and Arnaud Souquet - so grab a drink, get comfortable, and tune in for the entire episode! We also get caught up with the new of MLS Next's expansion and the ever-widening talent net in America. What do you think of the roster moves? Do you like the expansion of MLS Next? Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and kee...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 142
Hey, soccer fans! Do you feel like dancing? Amidst the Neymar transfer talk, the Chicago Fire have signed winger Jonathan Bamba to a Designated Player contract. Bamba comes to the Fire after two season with La Liga side Celta de Vigo, previously playing in Belgium and France. The Ivory Coast international will play a key role in providing service to Hugo Cuypers and sparking the Fire's attack. Our host also updates you on the latest in the Neymar transfer saga. Will he end up with Chicago or ret...
Jan 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 141
