2022 Orlando City Match Preview: Chicago Fire

Key Players

ST Kacper Przybylko

The Polish striker leads the line for the Fire, and he's had a slowish start to life in the Windy City. Przybylko scored a brace against SKC, though that was more on Tim Melia's woeful goaltending, and he hasn't done much in the other games.

CB Wyatt Omsberg

Chicago's strong defensive start has been a collective effort, but the former SuperDraft pick has excelled as a starter for the Fire. The former Dartmouth star has started all five games in central defense and he even earned MLS Team of the Week honors in week three. With captain Raphael Czichos potentially still out due to health and safety protocols, Omsberg will be the leader in defense for the Fire.

GK Gaga Slonina

The backline has led the defensive renaissance for Chicago, but teenage goalkeeper Gaga Slonina is a superstar between the sticks. While he hasn't had to make many saves or even make that many plays of any kind, but when the Polish-American wonder kid is called upon, he delivers.

AM Brian Gutierrez

Xherdan Shaqiri is Chicago's main man on the ball and in attack, but the Swiss superstar had to be subbed off with a calf injury in the first half last weekend. It's not a serious injury and the former Liverpool playmaker is listed as "day-to-day" by Chicago. If he can't go, then Homegrown attacker Brian Gutierrez will be tasked with breaking down Orlando's defense.

The Mexican-American forward is one of the most technical gifted and creative players in his age group, 18, across the league. He doesn't have the pure class of Shaqiri, but his skill with the ball is undeniable.