February 21, 2026 | SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview | 7:30 PM CT | MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)
Preseason soccer is back at SeatGeek Stadium, and Chicago Fire FC fans are cautiously optimistic. After finishing 11–15–8 last year and missing the playoffs again, we need to see something—anything—that suggests this season will be different.
The Houston Dynamo (13–12–9, made the playoffs) are coming to town for our first real test of the offseason. Yeah, it’s just preseason. The result doesn’t count. But for Fire fans who’ve watched this team underperform for years, every game matters. We need to see progress. We need to see our new signings fit the system. We need to believe this won’t be another lost season.
Where the Fire Stand After Another Disappointing Year
2025 Record: 11–15–8 (11th in East)
Last season was frustrating in every way. We couldn’t score consistently. The defense had too many lapses. And despite having Xherdan Shaqiri—one of the most talented playmakers in MLS—we finished 11th in the Eastern Conference and watched the playoffs from home.
The front office made moves this offseason. We brought in a young striker from South America (name still being finalized, but the buzz is good) and added defensive reinforcements to shore up the backline. Brian Gutiérrez, our homegrown talent, is getting more responsibility. The pieces are there. The question is whether they’ll actually fit together.
Shaqiri remains our creative engine, but he can’t do it alone. He needs finishers who can convert the chances he creates. He needs a defense that won’t blow leads. And he needs a midfield that can keep up with his vision.
Houston Dynamo: Playoff Team Looking to Build
2025 Record: 13–12–9 (7th in West, playoff team)
Houston had a solid season. They made the playoffs behind Héctor Herrera’s leadership in midfield and Sebastián Ferreira’s scoring up top. They’re not a powerhouse, but they’re organized, disciplined, and know how to win games.
Herrera controls possession and dictates tempo. Ferreira is clinical in front of goal. Griffin Dorsey provides width and service from the right side. They’ve added midfield depth and a promising academy winger this offseason, so they’re looking to build on last year’s success.
This is exactly the type of team we should be competing with. They’re not Atlanta or LAFC. They’re a well-coached playoff team that maximizes their roster. If we can’t hang with Houston in preseason, that’s a red flag.
Head-to-Head: Where This Game Will Be Won
| Position | Chicago Fire FC | Houston Dynamo |
|---|---|---|
| Midfield Engine | Xherdan Shaqiri | Héctor Herrera |
| Striker | New South American signing | Sebastián Ferreira |
| Defensive Anchor | Carlos Terán | Teenage Hadebe |
Shaqiri vs Herrera in Midfield
This is the battle that determines everything. Shaqiri is the more talented player—his vision, passing, and creativity are elite. But Herrera is a winner. He controls games, doesn’t make mistakes, and leads by example. If Shaqiri can impose his will, we dominate. If Herrera dictates tempo, we’re chasing the game.
New Striker vs Sebastián Ferreira
Our new striker is making his debut in front of the Fire faithful. This is his chance to show he can finish the chances Shaqiri creates. Ferreira, meanwhile, is a proven MLS goalscorer. He’s clinical, he’s experienced, and he knows how to put the ball in the net. Advantage: Houston, until our guy proves otherwise.
Carlos Terán vs Houston’s Attack
Terán is our defensive anchor, and he needs to organize the backline and contain Houston’s pace on the wings. If he’s caught out of position or our defense breaks down like it did last season, Ferreira will punish us.
What the Fire Need to Do to Win This Game
New Striker Has to Announce Himself
First impressions matter. If our new signing comes out confident, makes good runs, and finishes a chance or two, the SeatGeek Stadium crowd will buy in immediately. We’ve been starved for a legitimate goalscorer. Show us you’re the guy.
Shaqiri Controls the Midfield
When Shaqiri’s engaged and dictating play, we’re dangerous. He needs to pull the strings, find pockets of space, and create chances for the new striker and Brian Gutiérrez. If he’s isolated or Houston’s midfield shuts him down, we’re in trouble.
Defense Stays Organized
Last year, defensive lapses killed us. Blown assignments, miscommunication, leaving runners unmarked—it cost us so many points. In preseason, coaches are evaluating fundamentals. If we look sloppy defensively against Houston, it’s a bad sign for the regular season.
Brian Gutiérrez Steps Up
Gutiérrez is our homegrown talent with serious potential. This preseason is his opportunity to show he’s ready for a bigger role. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he needs to impact the game—smart runs, tidy passing, maybe a goal.
Win Set Pieces
Preseason games often get decided on set pieces because defenses are still getting their timing down. If we can win corners and free kicks in dangerous areas, we’ve got a real chance to score.
Why This Preseason Game Actually Matters
I know, I know—it’s preseason. The result doesn’t count. Coaches are rotating rosters and experimenting with lineups.
But for Fire fans who’ve endured years of mediocrity, this game matters because it’s our first chance to see if the offseason moves actually make a difference. Did we address our scoring problems? Can the defense hold up? Will the young guys step up?
Houston made the playoffs last year. We didn’t. If we can’t compete with them—even in a preseason friendly—what does that say about our chances in 2026?
Plus, it’s at SeatGeek Stadium. Our home. In front of our fans. We deserve to see a competitive, organized performance that gives us hope for the season ahead.
Fire Fan Prediction: Competitive, But We Fall Short
Final Score: Dynamo 2, Fire 1
I want to believe our new striker will score on debut. I want to believe Shaqiri will pull the strings and dominate the midfield. I want to believe the defense will look organized and disciplined.
But I’ve been a Fire fan long enough to know better.
Houston’s more cohesive. They’re a playoff team with chemistry and confidence. Héctor Herrera will control the midfield, and Sebastián Ferreira will find space and score. We’ll create chances—Shaqiri will make sure of that—but we’ll struggle to finish, just like last season.
Brian Gutiérrez might grab a goal to make it interesting. Our new striker will show flashes but won’t quite find his rhythm yet. And late in the game, Houston’s experience and fitness will pull them through.
It’s preseason, so the result doesn’t technically matter. But losing at home—even in a friendly—stings. And if we can’t hang with a team like Houston, the 2026 season is going to be a long one.
What We’re Watching For
Forget the final score for a second. Here’s what Fire fans need to see tonight:
New striker looks dangerous – Makes good runs, gets on the end of chances
Shaqiri is engaged – Dictating play, creating chances, looking motivated
Defense communicates well – No blown assignments or silly mistakes
Brian Gutiérrez shows growth – Confident on the ball, smart decisions
Tactical identity is clear – We know what kind of team we’re trying to be
If we check those boxes, I can live with a loss. If we look disorganized, unmotivated, and clueless, it’s going to be a rough season.
Come on you Fire!!!
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