Chicago Fire Fc vs Dc United Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

Fire’s Jonathan Bamba Looks to Continue Hot Streak Against D.C. United

In the early days of Major League Soccer (MLS), the Chicago Fire and D.C. United were two of the league’s most dominant teams. But now, they share a different distinction—owning the longest active playoff droughts in MLS.

As both teams prepare to face off on Saturday night, the Fire (0-1-0, 0 points) and D.C. United (0-0-1, 1 point) are eager to rewrite their narratives and push for a return to the postseason.

Weekly Soccer Picks

Once MLS Powerhouses, Now Fighting for Relevance

Between 1996 and 1999, D.C. United captured three MLS Cups, while the Fire claimed the 1998 championship after defeating United 2-0 in the final. Fast-forward to today, and both clubs have struggled to regain that level of success.

• Chicago Fire: Seven-year playoff drought, finished last in the Eastern Conference in 2023.
• D.C. United: Missed the 2023 playoffs due to goal differential, extending their postseason absence to five years.

Saturday’s matchup provides an opportunity for both teams to course-correct early in the season.

Firepower on Display, Defensive Issues Persist

Both Chicago and D.C. showed attacking promise in their season openers, but defensive lapses proved costly.

Chicago Fire (2-4 Loss to Columbus Crew)

• Jonathan Bamba shined, assisting both Fire goals.
• Defensive breakdowns led to three gift goals:
  • A costly mistake on a goal kick.
  • An unfortunate own goal.
  • A defensive misplay by Philip Zinckernagel.
• Coach Gregg Berhalter emphasized the positives:“We created a number of chances.”

D.C. United (2-2 Draw vs. Toronto FC)

• Christian Benteke continued his dominance, scoring a powerful header off a cross.
• Midfielder Boris Enow also found the net.
• Defensive struggles in the second half allowed Toronto to equalize on a penalty kick.
• Coach Troy Lesesne was disappointed with the result:“This probably needed to be three points for us tonight.”

Both teams will need to tighten up defensively if they want to secure their first win of the season.

MLS Picks from Soccer Expert Handicappers

Key Players to Watch

Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire)

• New signing from Celta de Vigo ($2M transfer fee).
• Assisted both Fire goals in his MLS debut.
• Adds creativity and speed on the wing.

Christian Benteke (D.C. United)

• Reigning MLS Golden Boot winner (23 goals in 2023).
• Scored a towering header in the season opener.
• Poses a major aerial threat in the box.

Bamba’s playmaking ability and Benteke’s goal-scoring prowess could be decisive factors in this clash.

Head-to-Head: Can Chicago End Their Winless Streak?

The Fire have struggled against D.C. in recent matchups:

Last 4 Meetings: Chicago is 0-2-2 (W-L-D) vs. D.C. United.

With home-field advantage, the Fire will aim to snap their skid and earn their first victory of 2024.

More Than 3000 Picks Per Month!

Final Thoughts: A Must-Win for Both Teams

Both Chicago and D.C. United enter this game with a sense of urgency. While early-season matches don’t define a campaign, a victory could help set the tone for a potential playoff push.

Will Jonathan Bamba continue his red-hot start? Or will Christian Benteke prove too much to handle? Saturday night’s showdown will provide the answers.