Chicago Fire v D.C. United: Berhalter defends Bamba and Zinckernagel in Cuypers´ absence

Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter came to the defence of Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba after their goalless display against the Columbus Crew last time out.

Zinckernagel and Bamba were given increased attacking responsibilities after star forward Hugo Cuypers was ruled out with injury, with the latter still not a guarantee to feature against D.C. United at the weekend.

Bamba registered two shots in the match while Zinckernagel failed to record any attempts, and neither player created any chances in the 0-0 draw.

The Fire produced just 0.87 xG to the Crew’s 1.51, in what was a below-par performance from Chicago.

Nevertheless, Berhalter praised his attackers, insisting they did not have an easy task to carry out.

“What we’re asking them to do in this game was difficult, right?” said Berhalter.

“Because we want them to attack and create chances, but they also have to tuck in and really connect to that midfield line and really block central passes.

“Except for two or three times, I think they did a great job of that, and it was a really good tone that they set with the rest of the group.

“We talked before the game that we were going to need hard work on both ends of the ball to get something out of this game, and they certainly delivered that.”

Dylan kept it real in the press conference #cf97 pic.twitter.com/V47sx0hvYt

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) March 10, 2026

Nineteen-year-old Dylan Borso did, however, impress for Chicago as he registered the most shots for his side (three) against Columbus on his MLS debut.

“It was just a surreal experience,” Borso said. “If you told me 24 hours ago I was going to be playing in an MLS game, I’d tell you you were full of crap. I couldn’t be more blessed.

“Just hearing the fans, crazy atmosphere, just the experience as a whole was something I’ll never forget and cherish for sure.”

After winning their opening match of the season against the Philadelphia Union, D.C. have since lost against Austin FC and Inter Miami.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers

Cuypers could return for the Fire in this fixture, and that could be crucial for the home side.

The forward scored in each of their first two MLS games this season, after scoring 19 times last term.

D.C. United – Tai Baribo

Baribo has scored each of D.C. United’s first two goals of the 2026 season, including their lone goal against Inter Miami last time out.

He has four career goal contributions in three matches against the Fire (three goals, one assist), including recording two goals and an assist in two playoff meetings last year.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHICAGO FIRE WIN

Chicago have lost only one of their last eight regular-season home matches dating back to last July (W5 D2).

However, the Fire have won their first two home matches of a season just three times in team history, last doing so in 2007.

D.C. United have lost 13 of its last 20 regular-season matches (W2 D5) dating back to the beginning of June 2025, including losing two in a row after opening the season with a win at the Union.

Chicago equalled a club record with seven goals in its last meeting with D.C. United, a 7-1 road win last June. The Fire had totalled just seven goals in their previous eight meetings with D.C. United prior to last June’s win.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Chicago Fire – 63.5%

Draw – 19.4%

D.C. United – 17.1%