Sun May 25 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **NYCFC Host Chicago Fire in Key Eastern Conference Clash**

**NEW YORK** – Two teams battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference will face off Sunday as New York City FC welcomes the Chicago Fire to Yankee Stadium.

NYCFC is looking to extend their unbeaten streak to three games after a dominant 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls last weekend propelled them to seventh place in the East. A strong defensive performance and goals from Alonso Martinez and Maxi Moralez secured the Hudson River Derby win, but the Pigeons will need to overcome recent struggles at Yankee Stadium, where they’ve lost their last two matches.

The Chicago Fire, meanwhile, are on a hot streak, having gone undefeated in their last five matches across all competitions. Their impressive 4-1 victory over Charlotte FC showcased their newfound offensive firepower, with Brian Gutierrez leading the charge with a brace. Despite a shaky start to the season, the Fire have found their rhythm and are making the most of their scoring opportunities, currently sitting third in the league for big chances.

However, history is not on the Fire’s side. They are winless in their last four regular-season away matches against New York clubs and have never defeated NYCFC on the road.

Both teams have injury concerns heading into the match. NYCFC will be without Malachi Jones, Keaton Parks, and Kevin O’Toole, while Chicago will miss Carlos Teran, David Poreba, Chase Gasper and Leonardo Barroso. Chris Mueller is also unavailable due to paternity leave.

Predicted lineups:

* **New York City FC:** Freese; Gray, Martins, Haak, Risa; O’Neill, Perea; Fernandez, Moralez, Wolf; Martinez
* **Chicago Fire:** Brady; Dean, Rogers, Elliott, Gutman; Kouame, Pineda, Gutierrez; Zinckernagel, Cuypers, Bamba

With both teams hungry for points, Sunday’s match promises to be a tense and exciting encounter that could significantly impact the Eastern Conference standings.

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