Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium could play host to the first Chicago Fire playoff game since 2017, but a lot of things have to line up right for that to happen.
The Fire (15-11-7) had the weekend off, but after last week’s MLS action they stood in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 52 points. The top seven teams make it to the playoffs and the eighth- and ninth-place teams have a wild-card play-in game on Oct. 22.
If the Fire stays in eighth, they host the wild-card game. Ticketmaster started selling tickets for that game on Oct. 12 and instead of selling seats at Soldier Field — the Fire’s usual home — it was selling tickets for SeatGeek Stadium.
Generally, the Fire plays at SeatGeek when there is a conflict with the Chicago Bears, but no such conflict appears to exist. The Fire has not given a reason the game would be played in Bridgeview. But it’s likely the logistics of a quick turnround after the regular season ends could be a contributing factor.
Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, just three points separated ninth-place Columbus (51 points) and sixth-place Nashville (54) so a lot of things can still happen.
The Fire visits New England (9-16-8) at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 in the final regular-season game of the MLS season to help determine their lot in the playoffs.
The Fire went unbeaten (2-0-1) in three MLS games at SeatGeek Stadum this season and they also knocked off Detroit 4-0 on May 7 in the U.S. Open Cup.
The Fire were 4-5-2 at Soldier Field in 2025.
Fire defender Andrew Gutman — a Hinsdale native —- is a fan of the Bridgeview stadium.
“Yeah, for me, I knew it as Toyota Park, a long time ago,” Gutman said in September. “I love it there. It’s a soccer-specific stadium, so the fans are a little bit more on top of you. It creates a better environment for us being the home team, so it’s always nice to go there and play there.”
Stars tie again
The Chicago Stars tied for an NWSL-leading 11th time this season with a 1-1 draw Oct. 10 on the road against Louisville.
Jameese Joseph scored in the 85th minute for the Stars (2-11-11). Former Sandburg standout Ella Hase played 64 minutes for Louisville (9-6-9)
The Stars visit San Diego (8-7-8) at 9 p.m. Oct. 18.
SXU football wins again
St. Xavier’s football team won its fourth straight, 26-20 on homecoming over Siena Heights in a Mid-States Football Association crossover on Oct. 11.
Former Richards wide receiver Marquel Porter had three catches plus a trick-play 49-yard pass completion for the Cougars (4-2).
SXU visits St. Francis (Illinois) at 1 p.m. Oct. 18 to open the MFSA Midwest portion of the schedule.
Sports bits
The Chicago Fire II opens play in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs at 5 p.m. Oct. 19 against the New England Revolution II in Foxborough, Mass.
● St. Xavier’s women’s soccer shutout streak ended at six games on Oct. 7 with a 1-1 home tie against St. Ambrose.
● Morton College’s women’s soccer team’s shutout streak stayed alive at five games with an 8-0 home win over Truman on Oct. 11.
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