Chicago Fire v FC Cincinnati: Noonan impressed by Berhalter's early impact

Cincinnati have made an impressive start to the 2025 season, and sit third in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind early leaders Columbus Crew.

They are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak, winning each of their last three outings, and have suffered just two defeats in the league so far.

But Noonan acknowledged the challenge posed by Chicago, who he believes have adapted well to life under Berhalter.

"Gregg's done a really good job. You can see ideas, you know, evolving, getting better," Noonan said.

"The results, obviously, you know, have been pretty good if you're talking about a new coach with a bunch of new players.

"We have to be prepared for a variety of ways that the front three will apply pressure, how the central players are pressing the ball. So that'll be a good challenge."

Green team brought out a custom trophy pic.twitter.com/5NTXAyKDJt

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) April 18, 2025

Chicago are eighth in the table, just four points behind Saturday's opponents, having also lost just two of their first eight matches this season.

They go into this game winless in three, though held Inter Miami to a 0-0 draw in their last outing.

Berhalter was pleased with that performance, despite the lack of goals, and highlighted how proud he is of the team's development under him so far.

"I've been saying consistently since I've been here that you can win every game and lose every game," he said.

"No matter who the opponent is, we can put in a performance to beat them, but sometimes it doesn't work that way.

"For us, it's really about trying to get better throughout this year and if we keep doing that, we'll be playing soccer."

Chicago's scoreless draw with Inter Miami on Saturday was the club's first clean sheet since a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati last July, with Chris Brady finally able to enjoy a shutout.

The 19 straight matches without a clean sheet in all competitions was the Fire's longest run without a shutout in club history.

Our Supporters #cf97 pic.twitter.com/urCAskYfBe

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) April 16, 2025

All three victories in FC Cincinnati's current winning streak have come by one-goal margins, with Gerardo Valenzuela sealing the most recent with a stunning solo goal.

Since the start of the 2023 season, Cincinnati have 32 wins by a one-goal margin, while no other team has more than 19.

Cincinnati have won four of their six visits to Chicago (D1 L1). Cincinnati's four road wins over Chicago equals their most against any opponent in regular season play (four vs. Toronto FC).

Cincinnati have won three straight matches, with the last two each coming by 1-0 scorelines. This is the first time Cincinnati have kept consecutive clean sheets in regular-season play since a run of three straight in March-April 2023.

Meanwhile, Chicago are winless in five straight home matches, though four of those have ended in draws (L1). The Fire have won only one of their last 10 at home in all competitions dating back to last July (D5 L4).

Chicago Fire – 30.8%

Draw – 25.1%