Chicago Fire II vs New York City II: High-Scoring Rivalry Renewed

New York City II and Chicago Fire II renew a high-scoring rivalry at Belson Stadium in MLS Next Pro group-stage action, with both sides eyeing an early-season statement.

The hosts sit on 6 points from 6 games (ranked 8th in their conference snapshot), with a mixed start built almost entirely on home form: 2 wins and 1 defeat at Belson, but 3 straight losses away. Their league form strip over the last five reads L-W-L-L-W, underlining their inconsistency. New York City II have scored only 5 goals and conceded 11 overall, with no clean sheets and three games without scoring, but they tend to be more adventurous at home (4 goals for, 7 against in 3 matches).

Chicago Fire II arrive in stronger shape. They have 10 points from 7 games (rank 6), with form of L-L-W-W-W in their last five. Away from home they have been efficient: 2 wins and 1 loss, scoring 4 and conceding 3, and they have kept 2 clean sheets overall.

Head-to-Head

Head-to-head, these fixtures are usually wild. The last meeting finished 5-4 to New York City II at SeatGeek Stadium. Across the last five clashes, New York City II have won three (including two on penalties after 2-2 draws at Belson), while Chicago Fire II have one regulation win and one shootout success. Four of those five saw both teams score at least twice in regular time.

With Chicago Fire II more balanced statistically (9 goals for, 10 against) and on a three-win surge before their recent back-to-back losses, and New York City II heavily reliant on home comforts but leaky at the back, the data tilts slightly towards the visitors. Expect an open contest with chances at both ends.