MIR97 Podcast

The Fire earned their second road win, sweeping the home-and-away series against CF Montréal. So obviously John and Tim spend the better part of half an hour talking about everything that they didn't like. In between finding nits to pick, though, they took time to shout out a great performance by Chris Brady and the quiet excellence of Philip Zinckernagel, all while wondering if Hugo Cuypers's Golden Boot-leading season is slowly getting overshadowed by the looming arrival of a certain recently unemployed Polish striker.Even if the performance on the pitch may not have been enough to inspire the hosts, at least John and Tim enjoyed it in style — Tim put on his reporter hat and went to Soccer House, the new soccer-only bar in Chicago, where talked to the owner and met up with John (IRL). The duo talked about what they thought of Chicago's new best place to catch World Cup matches.

The Fire had their first come-from-behind win in a 3-1 victory over D.C. United as torrential rain fell on Audi Field. John and Tim break down what they liked, and what they didn't from an effort in D.C. that got the result but somehow left a lot to be desired. There's also news from The 78, as the Fire's new home has a name. Tim really, really pushes for us to all call McDonald's Park "the Burgerbeu" while John points out that we'll probably just end up calling it "The Mac."  With little time to focus on the game that was, they then switch focus to the upcoming match in against CF Montréal in La Belle Province up north.

The Fire put together an uninspiring performance against the New York Red Bulls and suffered their third consecutive home defeat across all comps as a result. John and Tim talk about what went wrong against the Baby Bulls before getting a discussion about how much change is warranted with a game against D.C. United coming up midweek. As John looks for glass to break and an alarm to pull, Tim talks about the lack of game changers on the bench... before saying that the Fire should start some of them in the next game.

Matt returns with Alan and Daniel react to YOUR takes LIVE! Is Hugo Cuypers going to top Nikolic's single season goal scoring record? Can the Fire stay about D.C. United? Mbokazi has committed mistakes recently that set the Fire back, is he a generational talent anyway? We heard your Hot Takes too! Dean has to GO! Lewandowski can stay in Spain! The Midfield is the problem! Recorded LIVE 05/07/2026

The Fire face off against a Red Bull New York side featuring a plethora young American prospects headed up by new coach Michael Bradley in Soldier Field in an Eastern Conference clash.John is joined by Alex Campbell of CHGO Sports to break down the project being undertaken in New York and how the Fire can take advantage this weekend as they look for breathing room near the top of the Eastern Conference.The Fire look to close out a win after letting two slip away in a matter of days, while RBNY try to stop a 3 game skid of their own. Three important points are up for grabs Saturday, who will come out on top?

The Fire's rematch against Cincinnati had everything you could ask for — goals, penalties, red cards and shots galore — as long as you didn't ask for a win for the Fire. John and Tim hash out what went wrong and call out a couple young players for especially rough performances before asking how long it'd be before Berhalter remembered that he make substitutes. They also find a minute between shameless plugs for the "5 Things We Learned" piece they cowrote to praise Hugo Cuypers for his performances in a season where he's now got a share of the Golden Boot lead, all while Tim tries to make "xG farming" a thing.

The Fire went to SeatGeek for the first time in 2026 as they hosted St. Louis City and walked out feeling upset with an early exit in the Cup. John and Tim have a mostly civilized discussion about  squad rotation as they talk over what went wrong in Bridgeview. Then they forget everything Coach Ted Lasso taught them about goldfish as they let the discussion flow from Wednesday's disappointing match into what they expect from the Fire's upcoming rematch against FC Cincinnati this Saturday.

It took a while for them to get started, but by the end, the Fire smoked Sporting Kansas City 5-0. John and Tim break down the first five goal win in front of home fans for the Fire this decade, and talk about what they liked about a game that saw four goal contributions from Maren and a brace of braces from Hugo and Zinck... but they've got one eye on this Wednesday's Open Cup matchup against St. Louis City, the team from across the state for both the Fire and Kansas City.

The Fire set to host Sporting Kansas City, a team featuring familiar faces in Raphaël Wicky and Justin Reynolds on Saturday. That's not all that's familiar about this year's SKC team: Like the Fire in so many years past, they're on the outside of the postseason looking in, as everything seems to have gone wrong in Kansas City, with little hope on the horizon. The Fire, meanwhile, are now a team with something unfamiliar from years past — expectations, including expectations of a win against bottom-of-table opponents. John and Tim talk about what that means, and what counts as success when the expectation is already three points.

Hugo Cuypers came back into the Fire's lineup and made an immediate impact as he got involved in all three goals for the Fire in Cincinnati. Hugo the Selfless Striker may be the King of Queen City, but it's not all hearts for the Fire as the team can't hold a late two goal lead, settling for a 3-3 draw. John and Tim talk about what went wrong late in Cincinnati, as well the elite seasons that Cuypers and Brady have been having.

In U.S. Open Cup action Jason Shokalook gets a brace in his first team debut to send the Fire past Detroit City 2-1 as one of four players getting their first start for the first team — but Detroit's Darren Smith made it interesting.  John and Tim talk the Fire's performance, focusing on the four first-time starters for the Men In Red. Then they switch focus to what's next as they break down the Fire's next game when they head to FC Cincinnati, suddenly a bottom feeder in the giant blob that is the Eastern Conference so far this year.

John and Tim look back at the Fire's win over the Five Stripes of Atlanta and Maren Haile-Selassie's highly productive match. Gregg Berhalter will take his side to Hamtranck, Michigan to open Chicago's 2026 US Open Cup campaign on Tuesday, April 14th. When Hugo Cuypers returns from injury, will Robin Lod have shown enough to keep his spot over Maren? Fire end weekend 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Supporter's Shield race; on the back of a strong defensive year as the attack lacks a spark.

The Fire are back at home as they take on Atlanta United, a team that's trying to go back to the future, reuniting Miguel Almirón and Tata Martino. So far, it hasn't gone great, and Tata's out for this one after a red card received during a mass confrontation during last week's loss to the Crew. John and Tim chat about why that is as well as what to expect from the Fire after their second win in a row, even as they once again featured a new Starting XI combination with Hugo Cuypers out.

Zinck scores the Fire's fastest goal in team history and Brady's acrobatic saves push keep the clean sheet — giving he Fire their second-ever win against a Nashville side that came to town undefeated and atop the Supporters Shield standings. And all of that without Hugo Cuypers in a game where a still-recuperating Jack Elliott was thrust into the XI at the last minute John and Tim talk about another complete team performance where it felt like the Fire felt comfortable seeing what feels like it could be a 1-0 signature win.

John and Tim invite Kyndra De St. Aubin from Apple TV to The Bonfire ahead of Chicago Fire's matchup against Nashville SC. The game, coming off the international break, will be the Fire's sternest test yet as they host the current Supporters Shield leaders at Soldier Field. Can Gregg Berhalter wash away the team's worst defeat in team history with a result at Soldier Field?

It's the end of March and the season hasn't gone exactly how GGG and the Fire have planned. Is All-Star performer Philip Zinkernagel headed to the bench? Mbekezeli Mbokazi came to Chicago with all of South Africa behind him, has he lived up to that kind of hype? Lod came in to compliment Franco like Brian Gutiérrez, has he filled the hole? Live call-ins are back! Recorded LIVE March 26th, 2026.

The Fire go to Philadelphia — the team that won the Supporters Shield last year and ended their season — and walk away with 3 points after a gritty team effort. John and Tim break down a strong team performance where Hugo Cuypers bags his fourth goal in as many appearances and Bamba bags another. They talk about Viktor Radojeviç's first serious minutes with the Fire and the maturation of the squad in a game where Radojević, along with teammates like Djé D'Avilla and Mobkezeli Mobkazi, matched the physicality of the Philadelphia Union and where the midfield shows that it is rolling into form.

John and Tim invite Apple TV's Danny Higginbotham to The Bonfire ahead of Chicago Fire's matchup against the Philadelphia Union. Saturday's game is a playoff rematch against two teams who find themselves lower on the table than they would have expected. Can the Fire use their fluid and speedy offense to unlock Philp Zinkernagel? Mbekezeli Mbokazi will look to continue to build his resume ahead of a chance at a World Cup callup.

John and Tim gather around The Bonfire after the Fire drop 3 points to DC United in a come-from-behind loss at home. A handful of first teamers started in the Fire II win over Chattanooga FC. GGG and the Fire continue to struggle with Guti-Franco sized hole in the midfield. Philip Zinkernagel does a lot but the offense isn't finding the back of net during the run of play.

John and Tim invite Apple TV's Nate Bukaty around The Bonfire ahead of the Fire's upcoming clash against DC United. Bukaty has a warning for the Chicago Fire; DC is going to slow down the game. How will GGG structure his attack as the offense looks to build some consistency in 2026. Nate calls for Zinkernagel to be unlocked and sings the praises of surprise game ball winner Dylan Borso.Pre-order Nate's new book, Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup, here: https://www.triumphbooks.com/soccer-city--usa-products-9798898550004.php?page_id=21

John and Tim chat at The Bonfire in the wake of Gregg Berhalter's side moving to 1-1-1 with a draw in Columbus. Chris Mueller starts up top after Hugo Cuypers sat out with an injury. The Fire return to 3 in the back and keep a clean sheet against a Crew side that historically puts goals past Chicago's Keepers. Chris Brady gave a strong performance against a side that generated 1.7xG.

John and Tim gather 'round The Bonfire and look ahead to Columbus, where the Fire take on the Crew this weekend. Joe Mansueto breaks ground on the club's new, privately funded home at The 78.

John and Tim join around The Bonfire and recap the Fire's first home win of the season. Jonathan Dean was sent off for a denial of goal scoring opportunity, but Gregg Berhalter's side added to Montréal's woes and saw out a 3-0 victory. Jonathan Bamba returns to the starting XI alongside Captain Jack Elliot, and Mauricio Pineda.

Hot Takes LIVE is back! Join founder of MIR97, Matt Shableman, as he brings together a whole new crew of Fire sickos who rant, rave, and argue over YOUR Hot Takes. This week, Matt, Alan, and Daniel talk who's vital to the squad? Is Lewa the answer? Anyone on the team already a bust? Fire a top 3 team????Find us LIVE on the last Thursday of every month at https://www.youtube.com/@meninred97

The Fire are back at Soldier Field this Saturday for a matinée – appropriately against CF Montréal. John and Tim talk Montréal's season opener in what they could only call a "thumping," who will likely be back from injury for the Fire and talk about formations and tactics for the home opener. They also shout out the imminent return of the Boys II Men In Red, as Fire II take on Inter Miami II on Friday.

John and Tim welcome MIR 97 Founder Matt Shabelman around the Bonfire to review what went wrong in the Fire's first action of the 2026. Houston recovered in the second half after Hugo Cuypers open his account in the first half. Get in your Hot Takes for the first Hot Takes LIVE of 2026, Live on the MIR97 YouTube page the last Thursday every month: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfa69MnIXpPxQIRybHC9dq_xyMMh-IO3S9-4bynf3C9WiCNmA/viewform

John sits down with Tim and Joseph Lowery of Backheeled.com to kick off the 2026 campaign as the Fire travel to Houston to open the season on Saturday. Omari Glasgow is loaned to Monterey Bay FC in the USL. The Fire release their new home kit that maintains the classic look of the club. Then, the guys preview the 2026 Chicago Fire season.https://www.backheeled.com/author/joseph-lowery/

The Fire head to the Coachella Valley Invitational and open the last stage of preseason with a 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy as Mbokazi sees his debut for the Fire.

John and Tim pull a chair up to The Bonfire to recap a quiet week in FireLand.  Puso Dithejane will join the club for the next stretch of preseason. Pumas make a bid for Philip Zinkernagel, but are rejected by Chicago. MLS exports more players to Europe while continuing to acquire more talent this transfer window. Apple TV and MLS announce reductions to Spanish language broadcasts; where's the content? MLS signs partnership with Polymarket, an online, prediction market.

John and Tim bundle up around The Bonfire while dreaming of being in Florida while reviewing two preseason wins for the Men in Red. Fire are sitting on $5.1M in GAM, what does that mean for the club in 2026?

John and Tim are joined by Drew Vanderploeg from the Home & Away pod to cover the upcoming (!!) preseason match against SKC. Kellyn Acosta moves to Europe after a lackluster stint in Chicago. At the same time, Puso Dithejane joins from TS Galaxy F.C. from South Africa's Betway Premiership.Correction: the Fire played Fortaleza EC during the 2025 preseason and will not being playing them in 2026.

John and Tim gather around the bonfire to kick off Season 4 with a mailbag! First, Raphaël Wicky returns to MLS as the next head coach of SKC. Justin Reynolds also moves to SKC, looking to secure more minutes. Guti makes his debut for Chivas and gets an assist. What would adding Robert Lewandowski mean for the roster build in 2026?

John and Tim chat about the signing of Finland international midfielder Robin Lod who appears destined to start the season as the Fire's #10. Mbokazi impresses in AFCON loss to Egypt with performance against Mohamad Salah.

John and Tim sit down to talk offseason Chicago Fire football. Robert Lewandowski in talks to join Fire in summer 2026. MLS Next Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook signs first team contract.

John and Tim gather around The Bonfire on a frigid Chicago morning to talk about Homegrown fan-favorite Brian Gutiérrez headed south of the boarder in a sale with Chivas worth about $5M. Georgios Koutsias is officially transferred to FC Lugano. MLS Next Pro Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook sings with the first team. Mo Salah is the latest global superstar linked to the Fire. Are the Men in Red going in on the Reds legend?

John and Tim talk about Guti's future in Mexico while Mbekezeli Mbokazi signs for Fire while playing in AFCON. The 20 year old center back has created a stir in the Fire community as predictions swirl about who will start at CB come Opening Day. First, the 2025 MLS season ends with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami lifting the MLS Cup. What does Apple's streaming deal mean for a league looking to grow?

John is joined by DJ and Tim to review Chicago's roster decisions. First, the crew previews the 2025 MLS Cup and makes their picks. MLS schedules released for 2026 season. Smoke is still swirling around Guti's potential big money move to Liga MX. Omar Gonzalez joins Chicago Fire II as a player-coach.

Alan, Tim, DJ and John discuss the change approved by MLS owners to flip the MLS calendar to align more closely with Europe.

John is joined by Alan and DJ to break down some of the early moves and rumors of the 2026 Fire offseason. Guti is drawing attention from Mexico. Acosta is likely on the move after being pushed by a homegrown. Walker Zimmerman will move on from Nashville, is there a place in Chicago for him? Captain Jack is yet to be confirmed for next season.

John is joined by Tim and DJ to recap the the 2025 Chicago Fire season. First, moves begin as GGG builds towards 2026 as Andre Franco signs a permanent deal. Fire announce signing of Swedish international Midfielder Anton Salétros from AIK in Sweden. Brian Gutiérrez may be on the move after acquiring a Mexican passport amid rumored interest from Chivas.

John is joined by Tim and DJ to recap the final game of the 2025 Chicago Fire season that saw the Men in Red go down 3-0 to the Philadelphia Union.

John is joined by Tim and Steve Cangialosi from MLS Season Pass to preview the next playoff match against Philadelphia Union. Philip Zinkernagel makes an appearance at practice this week. Steve shares what he loves about Jack Elliot. Bamba continues to make an impact despite the souring perception.

John is joined by Matt, Alan, Tim, and Alex from CHGO in a live reaction to Chicago's comeback loss in the opening game of the series against Philadelphia Union. Recorded Live at the Second Star Tavern at the Endeavor Health Fire Pitch on October 26, 2025.

John is joined by Alan, DJ and Tim to preview the opening match of the next round of the MLS Playoffs as the Fire look to bounce back from back to back loses against the Supporter Shield winners, Philadelphia Union. Come and join the Bonfire boys LIVE this Sunday at the Endeavor Health Fire Pitch for a watch-along and a post game live recording of The Bonfire!

John is joined by Alan, DJ, and Tim to review a dominant 3-1 win over Orlando City SC an Eastern Conference Wild Card clash. Philip Zinkernagel is named a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year. Guti shows how much he wants to win in what may be his best game ever for the Men In Red.

John and Tim sat down with Lori Lindsey - Match Analyst for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and 2011 World Cup winner - ahead of the Fire's wild card matchup with Orlando City SC to talk working in MLS, the gauntlet of the Eastern Conference, and what to expect when the Fire take the field at SeatGeek on Wednesday night.

John is joined by Tim after the Chicago Fire's 2-2 draw against New England on Decision Day. The duo break down the Fire's flat start and ultimate come-from-behind result that secures the team a date at SeatGeek on Wednesday.

John is joined by Alan and Tim to preview the Fire's 2025 regular season finale at New England Revolution.

John is joined by Alan and DJ to discuss Franco's first game being out as the Fire draw 2-2 against Toronto FC.

Alan is joined by Alex and Tim to celebrate the Chicago Fire book their ticket to the 2025 post season. Fire go to Miami and come out with 3 points after a thrilling 3-5 win. Concerns swirl after Andre Franco went down with what appeared to be a knee injury. Toronto is the next club to face the new look, flaming hot Fire.

In a special episode streamed live, John, Matt and Tim went live to bask in the glory of the first Fire playoff berth since 2017. They talked the game, seeding and the unlikely heroes of the night.