MLS: Cuypers’ Brace and Brady’s Milestone Highlight Fire’s Thrilling 3-3 Draw in Cincinnati

Staff Writer
14 hours ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

CINCINNATI — In a high-octane Eastern Conference clash, Chicago Fire FC and FC Cincinnati battled to a 3-3 draw at TQL Stadium on Saturday night. The match was a showcase of offensive firepower, historic milestones, and a record-tying performance by Chicago’s star striker, Hugo Cuypers.

The draw keeps Chicago (4-2-2, 14 points) firmly in the thick of the playoff race, while Cincinnati (2-4-2, 8 points) fought back late to salvage a point in front of a capacity crowd of 25,513.

A Night of History for the Homegrown

The match marked a monumental career milestone for Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady. The Naperville native became the first Homegrown goalkeeper in club history to reach 100 regular-season appearances.

Brady, who has started every one of those 100 matches, joins fellow academy graduates Mauricio Pineda and Brian Gutiérrez as the only Homegrown players to hit the century mark in starts for the Men in Red. Despite conceding three, Brady’s presence was vital, recording eight saves against a relentless Cincinnati attack.

Cuypers Ties Club Record

Forward Hugo Cuypers continued his blistering form, scoring twice to tie the Chicago Fire record for most consecutive matches with a goal. By scoring in his fifth straight game, Cuypers matched the streaks set by club legends David Accam and Robert Berić.

26th Minute: Philip Zinckernagel delivered a cross to the top of the box. Cuypers controlled it into the air before striking a clinical half-volley that skipped under Roman Celentano for the 1-0 lead.
48th Minute: After Cincinnati’s Tom Barlow leveled the score, Cuypers struck again just after the half. Pouncing on a ball headed up by Miles Robinson, Cuypers buried another half-volley into the lower left corner to make it 3-1.

Zinckernagel’s Impact and Late Drama

Philip Zinckernagel was equally influential, tallying a goal and an assist to extend his own personal streak to four consecutive matches with a goal contribution. Just before halftime, after Cuypers was fouled in the box, Zinckernagel stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give Chicago a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

However, Cincinnati refused to go quietly. The hosts clawed back into the game in the final 15 minutes:

79th Minute: Evander converted a penalty to bring the score to 3-2.
86th Minute: A late defensive scramble resulted in an own goal by Chicago’s D'Avilla, leveling the match at 3-3.

Match Statistics

Stat	FC Cincinnati	Chicago Fire FC
Score	3	3
Shots	23	18
Shots on Goal	10	6
Saves	3	8
Possession	52.7%	46.2%
Corners	9	1

What’s Next: A Return to Soldier Field

The Fire now head back to Chicago to begin a critical four-game homestand across all competitions.

Next Match: Chicago Fire FC vs. Sporting KC
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: Soldier Field
Broadcast: Apple TV (Global); WLS 890 AM (English); Uforia by TREBEL app (Spanish).

Chicago Fire FC Lineup: GK Brady; D Dean (Borso 83'), D Elliott, D Mbokazi, D Gutman; M Salétros, M D'Avilla, M Zinckernagel (Waterman 73'), M Haile-Selassie (Radojević 90+4'); F Lod (Dithejane 83'), F Cuypers.