Orlando City vs Chicago Fire Fc Picks and Predictions May 31st 2025

Hot Streak Over, Orlando City Out to Rebound vs. Fire

Orlando City SC saw its 12-match unbeaten run come to a crashing halt midweek, but they’ll aim to start a new streak on Saturday when they host Chicago Fire FC, a side also missing key players.

Orlando (7-3-6, 27 points) appeared on track to keep its record-tying run alive on Wednesday at Atlanta, holding a 2-1 lead into the final 15 minutes. But a red card to Cesar Araujo in the 77th minute changed everything. Atlanta equalized moments later, and after coach Oscar Pareja was ejected for protesting the decision, the Five Stripes netted a stoppage-time winner to stun the Lions.

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“As a team, we wanted more,” said defender Alex Freeman. “To bounce back from (the loss), we want to get a clean sheet against Chicago. We need to attack well and defend well.”

Key Absences Could Shape the Rematch

Saturday’s match marks the second meeting this month between the clubs, with the previous contest ending in a 0-0 draw in Chicago on May 3. But both teams will be shorthanded this time.

Orlando must do without Araujo due to suspension, while Chicago (5-5-4, 19 points) will miss standout attacker Brian Gutierrez, who also received a red card in last weekend’s 3-1 loss to NYCFC. Defensive midfielder Mauricio Pineda is also likely out due to injury, further depleting the Fire’s spine.

Before the defeat in New York, the Fire had gone 2-0-1 in their previous three matches, conceding just twice in that stretch. Head coach Gregg Berhalter is urging his players to stay the course.

“We’ve got to keep moving,” Berhalter said. “(Our players) can grind. … We’re going to keep going, and go down to Orlando and try to get a result.”

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Chicago striker Hugo Cuypers, with eight goals, remains among the league leaders but hasn’t scored in two straight matches. The same goes for Orlando’s Martin Ojeda, who has also hit a minor drought.

History favors Orlando in this series — they are unbeaten in their last seven against Chicago (6-0-1) since July 2021. Those following MLS Predictions and Betting Strategies will note Orlando’s dominant home form and Chicago’s lineup woes as pivotal factors in this matchup.

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