Chicago Fire ends Vancouver Whitecaps streak with shocking MLS upset | OneFootball

Chicago Fire beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 at BC Place, bringing to an end the Canadian team's unbeaten streak in the 2025 MLS campaign. The victory tasted particularly sweet. Not merely due to the quality of the adversary or the comprehensive display away from home, but also because it represented the third successive victory for Gregg Berhalter's side, something the club hadn't managed in 16 years.

The milestone, putting an end to an extended record of inconsistency, was greeted by a post-game celebration by the coach. "This is the first time in 16 years that the club has won three games in a row," Berhalter told members of the media. And he wasn't being facetious. Chicago is starting to build a competitive rhythm on the pitch, and it manifests well in the standings. On 10 points and with a plus goal difference, the side are now fifth in the Eastern Conference, fully in the form of the campaign.

Reinforcements come in at the moment of truth

Two players began registering scores for Chicago Fire in the game: Philip Zinckernagel and Romenique Kouamé. The latter was the man behind creating the win while the former scored his first goal of the season. The two signings arrived from Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt to begin representing the Chicago team. Following the match, they drew special praise from their manager. "He was the coaches' man of the match for his contribution. We know what Philip can do — he's an incredible player."

In Kouamé's case, the first game carried a different kind of emotional significance. The forward, who was loaned in from Cádiz in Spain, waited longer than anyone expected to finally get on the field. But when he did, he made it worth it with a goal. "It was emotional. He waited a long time to make his debut," Berhalter said. "He had a long way to travel to get to this point, and he definitely made an impact today."

The words of the coach weren't hollow. They speak volumes about how critical it is to have depth and instant contribution during a long season. Zinckernagel and Kouamé joined in the winter window and had to prove their worth. They did so in Canada.

Cuypers blazing up front

As new faces stole the headlines, Hugo Cuypers remains the man. The forward, the team's most expensive signing in history, is enjoying his best stretch since joining MLS. He's now scored five goals in his last four games, a rate that speaks volumes. He scored 10 goals in 31 games last year, and that version is already behind him.

Cuypers is also squarely in the running for the MLS Audi Golden Boot. He is but a goal back of Philadelphia Union's Tai Baribo and now seems to be finding his form.

Berhalter values Cuypers and makes him the target of first choice in the attack of Chicago. "Hugo is the man in the box. When we're able to get crosses to him, he finishes nicely and under composure," said the coach to sum up.

A family affair on the field

One of the more interesting facts within BC Place was the meeting between Gregg Berhalter and his son, Sebastian, a Vancouver player. It was just the second time in league history that a head coach had met his own son on the field.

The atmosphere, of course, was still light, but it didn't prevent the coach from feeling the tension. "Every time there was a set piece, I was holding my breath — he plays some good balls. It's a bit frustrating," Berhalter chuckled. Having the family watching in the stadium made the experience all the more special. "We've got everyone here — aunts, uncles, grandparents. The whole family's here. Fortunately, we (Chicago) won, so I don't have to treat for dinner."

This result also has symbolic meaning. The Whitecaps were the last team to have an unbeaten record this year, and Chicago broke that streak convincingly. Scoring three times, playing physical, and responding well in a tough environment is the kind of performance that can push a team in the conference.