2016 Chicago Fire season

Chicago Fire
2016 season
ChairmanAndrew Hauptman
Head coachVeljko Paunović
StadiumToyota Park
(capacity: 20,000)
MLSConference: 10th
Overall: 20th
MLS Cup PlayoffsDid not qualify
U.S. Open CupSemifinals
Brimstone CupDid not win
Top goalscorerLeague: David Accam (9)
All: David Accam (14)
Highest home attendance18,976
(Oct 16 vs New England Revolution)
Lowest home attendanceLeague: 12,073
(Apr 2 vs Philadelphia)
Open Cup: 3,666
(Jul 20 vs Fort Lauderdale)
Average home league attendanceLeague: 15,602 (regular season)
Open Cup: 5,133
Biggest winMTL 0-3 CHI (8/20)
CHI 3-0 PHL (9/3)
Biggest defeatDC 6-2 CHI (8/27)
← 2015
2017 →

The 2016 Chicago Fire season was the club's 18th year of existence, as well as their 19th season in Major League Soccer and their 19th consecutive year in the top-flight of American soccer.

On November 24, 2015 Veljko Paunović, coach of the 2015 World Cup champions Serbia U-20 team, was announced as the Chicago Fire's new head coach.[1]

Chicago Fire began the regular season on March 6, 2016, with a home match against New York City FC. The Men in Red finished the regular season on October 23, 2016, with an away match against Toronto FC. The club has missed the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven years.

The loss on the road to Vancouver Whitecaps on May 11, 2016, was the Fire's 28th straight match (19L, 9T) without a road win. This surpassed the New York Red Bulls for the longest road winless streak in MLS history.[2] With the away loss to Real Salt Lake on August 6, 2016, the streak extended to 36 matches (27L, 9T). The two-years and 28 days long streak finally ended when the Fire defeated Montreal Impact, 3–0, on the road on August 20, 2016. It was the first victory away from home since the Fire beat the New England Revolution, 1–0, in Foxborough, MA on July 12, 2014.[3]

Chicago Fire became the first team in MLS history to finish last in the overall table two years in a row.[4]

Squad at the end of the season

As of October 23, 2016. Source: Chicago Fire official roster

No. Name Nationality Position Date of Birth (Aged) Previous Club
Goalkeepers
23 Patrick McLain United States GK (1988-08-22)August 22, 1988 (aged 28) United States Sacramento Republic FC
25 Sean Johnson United States GK (1989-05-31)May 31, 1989 (aged 27) United States Atlanta Blackhawks
28 Matt Lampson United States GK (1989-09-06)September 6, 1989 (aged 27) United States Columbus Crew
Defenders
3 Brandon Vincent United States D (1994-05-01)May 1, 1994 (aged 22) United States Stanford Cardinal
4 Johan Kappelhof Netherlands D (1990-08-05)August 5, 1990 (aged 26) Netherlands FC Groningen
5 Michael Harrington United States D (1986-01-24)January 24, 1986 (aged 30) United States Colorado Rapids
6 Eric Gehrig United States D (1987-12-15)December 15, 1987 (aged 28) United States Columbus Crew SC
13 Rodrigo Ramos Brazil D (1995-05-24)May 24, 1995 (aged 21) Brazil Coritiba
16 Jonathan Campbell United States D (1993-06-27)June 27, 1993 (aged 23) United States North Carolina Tar Heels
22 Patrick Doody United States D (1992-04-22)April 22, 1992 (aged 24) United States Indiana Hoosiers
66 João Meira Portugal D/M (1987-04-30)April 30, 1987 (aged 29) Portugal Belenenses
Midfielders
2 Matt Polster United States M (1993-06-08)June 8, 1993 (aged 23) United States SIU Edwardsville Cougars
7 John Goossens Netherlands M (1988-07-25)July 25, 1988 (aged 28) Romania FC Voluntari
12 Arturo Álvarez El Salvador M (1985-06-28)June 28, 1985 (aged 31) Hungary Videoton FC
15 Joey Calistri United States M (1993-11-20)November 20, 1993 (aged 22) United States Northwestern Wildcats
17 Collin Fernandez United States M (1997-02-13)February 13, 1997 (aged 19) United States Chicago Fire Juniors
18 Drew Conner United States M (1994-02-18)February 18, 1994 (aged 22) United States Wisconsin Badgers
19 Khaly Thiam Senegal M (1994-01-07)January 7, 1994 (aged 22) Hungary MTK Budapest
21 Nick LaBrocca United States M (1984-12-04)December 4, 1984 (aged 31) United States Colorado Rapids
26 Michael Stephens United States M (1989-04-03)April 3, 1989 (aged 27) Norway Stabæk
29 Alex Morrell United States M (1994-05-11)May 11, 1994 (aged 22) United States North Florida Ospreys
30 Răzvan Cociș Romania M (1983-02-19)February 19, 1983 (aged 33) Ukraine FC Hoverla Uzhhorod
Forwards
8 Michael de Leeuw Netherlands F (1986-10-07)October 7, 1986 (aged 30) Netherlands FC Groningen
9 Luis Solignac Argentina F (1991-02-16)February 16, 1991 (aged 25) United States Colorado Rapids
10 David Arshakyan Armenia F (1994-08-16)August 16, 1994 (aged 22) Lithuania FK Trakai
11 David Accam Ghana F/M (1990-09-28)September 28, 1990 (aged 26) Sweden Helsingborgs IF

Player movement

See also: List of Major League Soccer transfers 2016

In

Per Major League Soccer and club policies terms of the deals do not get disclosed.

Date Player Position Previous Club Notes Ref
November 30, 2015 United States Matt Polster M United States Chicago Fire Exercised option [5]
November 30, 2015 United States Patrick Doody D United States Chicago Fire Exercised option [5]
December 17, 2015 United States Joey Calistri F United States Chicago Fire Academy Signed as a Homegrown Player [6]
December 17, 2015 United States Drew Conner M United States Chicago Fire Academy Signed as a Homegrown Player [6]
January 14, 2016 United States Brandon Vincent D United States Stanford University Drafted 4th overall (first round) in 2016 MLS SuperDraft, already signed contract with MLS [7]
January 14, 2016 United States Jonathan Campbell D United States University of North Carolina Drafted 12th overall (first round) in 2016 MLS SuperDraft, already signed contract with MLS [7]
January 18, 2016 United States Michael Harrington D United States Colorado Rapids Signed as a free agent [8]
January 18, 2016 United States Patrick McLain GK United States Sacramento Republic FC Signed as a free agent [8]
January 23, 2016 Romania Răzvan Cociș M United States Chicago Fire Re-signed with the club, after initially having his contract option declined; signed one-year deal with one year club option [5][9]
January 23, 2016 Portugal João Meira D Portugal Belenenses Signed as a free agent, one-year deal with one year club option [9]
January 27, 2016 United States Nick LaBrocca M United States Colorado Rapids Signed as a free agent, one-year deal with one year club option [10]
February 2, 2016 Netherlands Johan Kappelhof D Netherlands FC Groningen Signed as a discovery signing using targeted allocation money [11][12]
February 26, 2016 United States Matt Lampson GK United States Columbus Crew Signed as a free agent after trial, one-year deal with one year club option [13][14]
February 29, 2016 Netherlands John Goossens M Romania FC Voluntari Signed after a trial, two-year deal with one year club option [15][16]
March 3, 2016 El Salvador Arturo Álvarez M Hungary Videoton FC Signed after a trial, one-year deal with one year club option [13][17]
March 11, 2016 United States Alex Morrell M United States North Florida Ospreys Signed to a one-year deal with three-year club option, after being selected 22nd overall (second round) in 2016 MLS SuperDraft [7][18][19]
May 17, 2016 Netherlands Michael de Leeuw F Netherlands FC Groningen Signed as a discovery signing using targeted allocation money for a three-year deal through 2018 with a club option for 2019 [20]
August 3, 2016 Armenia David Arshakyan F Lithuania FK Trakai Signed as a Special Discovery Player, two-year deal with options for the third and fourth years [21]
August 3, 2016 Argentina Luis Solignac F United States Colorado Rapids Acquired in exchange for General Allocation Money [22]

Out

Date Player Position Destination Club Notes Ref
November 30, 2015 Brazil Adaílton D United States Miami FC 2016 contract option was declined, signed with Miami FC as a free agent on February 9 [5][23]
November 30, 2015 United States Jon Busch GK United States Indy Eleven 2016 contract option was declined, signed with Indy Eleven as a free agent on January 22 [5][24]
November 30, 2015 United States Greg Cochrane D United States San Antonio FC 2016 contract option was declined, signed with San Antonio FC as a free agent on February 25 [5][25]
November 30, 2015 Jamaica Jason Johnson F United States San Antonio FC 2016 contract option was declined, signed with San Antonio FC as a free agent on February 16 [5][26]
November 30, 2015 United States Alec Kann GK United States Sporting Kansas City 2016 contract option was declined, selected by Sporting Kansas City in the Re-Entry Draft [5][27]
November 30, 2015 United States Jeff Larentowicz D United States LA Galaxy 2016 contract option was declined, signed with LA Galaxy as a free agent on January 6 [5][28]
November 30, 2015 Jamaica Lovel Palmer D United States Indy Eleven 2016 contract option was declined, signed with Indy Eleven on January 12 [5][29]
November 30, 2015 United States Chris Ritter M None 2016 contract option was declined [5]
November 30, 2015 Trinidad and Tobago Daneil Cyrus D Trinidad and Tobago W Connection Loan deal expired [5]
November 30, 2015 United States Ty Harden D None Out of contract, eligible for free agency [5]
November 30, 2015 United States Mike Magee F United States LA Galaxy Out of contract, signed with LA Galaxy as a free agent on January 14 [5][30]
November 30, 2015 England Matt Watson M United States Carolina RailHawks Out of contract, signed with Carolina RailHawks as a free agent on January 15 [5][31]
January 6, 2016 Ghana Patrick Nyarko F United States D.C. United Traded for second round pick in 2016 MLS SuperDraft [32]
January 14, 2016 Trinidad and Tobago Joevin Jones D United States Seattle Sounders FC Traded in exchange for first round pick in 2016 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money [33]
February 13, 2016 United States Harry Shipp M Canada Montreal Impact Traded for general allocation money and targeted allocation money, after initially having his option exercised on November 30, 2015 [5][34][35]
March 2, 2016 United States Kingsley Bryce M None Waived, after initially having his option exercised on November 30, 2015 [5][36][37]
June 29, 2016 Brazil Gilberto F Brazil São Paulo FC Mutual termination of contract; signed with São Paulo FC on July 15 [38][39]
July 29, 2016 Nigeria Kennedy Igboananike F United States D.C. United Traded for Targeted Allocation Money and the natural third round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft [40]

Loans

Per Major League Soccer and club policies terms of the deals do not get disclosed.

In

Date Player Position Loaned from Notes Ref
February 3, 2016 Brazil Rodrigo Ramos D Brazil Coritiba Acquired as a Discovery Signing on a one-year loan [47]
May 4, 2016 Senegal Khaly Thiam M Hungary MTK Budapest Acquired on loan through the end of 2016 [48]

Technical staff

Position Staff
General Manager United States Nelson Rodríguez
Head Coach Serbia Veljko Paunović
Assistant Coach Serbia Marko Mitrović
Assistant Coach United States Logan Pause
Goalkeeper Coach Serbia Aleksandar Sarić
Strength and Conditioning Coach Jordan Webb
Manager of Team and Soccer Operations Alex Boler
Equipment Manager Brian Sauer
Assistant Equipment Manager Juan Arreola
Head Athletic Trainer Mario Cruz
Assistant Athletic Trainer Steve Purcell
Massage Therapist Jake Bronowski, LMT
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joshua Blomgren, D.O.
Head Orthopedic Officer Dr. Brian Forsythe, M.D.
Physical Therapist Ryan Perry

Last updated: October 23, 2016
Source: Chicago Fire Technical Staff

Standings

Eastern Conference table

Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
6 Philadelphia Union 34 11 14 9 52 55 −3 42 MLS Cup Knockout Round
7 New England Revolution 34 11 14 9 44 54 −10 42
8 Orlando City SC 34 9 11 14 55 60 −5 41
9 Columbus Crew SC 34 8 14 12 50 58 −8 36
10 Chicago Fire 34 7 17 10 42 58 −16 31
Source: MLS

Overall table

Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts
16 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 34 10 15 9 45 52 −7 39
17 San Jose Earthquakes 34 8 12 14 32 40 −8 38
18 Columbus Crew SC 34 8 14 12 50 58 −8 36
19 Houston Dynamo 34 7 14 13 39 45 −6 34
20 Chicago Fire 34 7 17 10 42 58 −16 31
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored;

Results summary

Overall Home Away
Pld Pts W L T GF GA GD W L T GF GA GD W L T GF GA GD
34 31 7 17 10 42 58  −16 6 3 8 26 21  +5 1 14 2 16 37  −21

Last updated: October 23, 2016
Source: MLSsoccer.com standings
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

Results

Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334
StadiumHAHHAHHAAAHHAAHAHAAHAHAHAHHHAAAHHA
ResultLTTWTLTLLLWTLLWLWLLTLTWTLWLTLLLTWL
Updated to match(es) played on October 23, 2016. Source: MLS Results and Chicago Fire Schedule
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; L = Loss; T = Tie

Match results

  Win   Tie   Loss

Preseason

Kickoff times are in CST (UTC-06)

February 6, 2016 University of South Florida 0–3 Chicago Fire Tampa, Florida
16:00 Michael Bajza Yellow card 44' Report Arturo Alvarez 28'
David Accam 33'
Vincent Mitchell 52'		 Stadium: Corbett Stadium
February 11, 2016 Chicago Fire 4–2 Philadelphia Union Clearwater, Florida
15:00 David Accam 14' (pen.), 40'
Nick LaBrocca 60'
Gilberto 64'		 Report Fabian Herbers 16'
Warren Creavalle 83'		 Stadium: Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex
February 18, 2016 University of Portland 1–1 Chicago Fire Portland, Oregon
Eddie Sanchez 62' Report John Goossens 40'
Drew Conner Yellow card 58'		 Stadium: Merlo Field

Simple Invitational

Pos Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts
1 United States Chicago Fire 3 3 0 0 9 2 +7 9
2 Canada Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3 2 1 0 7 4 +3 6
3 United States Portland Timbers 3 1 2 0 4 4 0 3
4 United States Minnesota United FC 3 0 3 0 1 11 -10 0
February 21, 2016 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–3 Chicago Fire Portland, Oregon
16:30 Johan Kappelhof 24' (o.g.)
Deybi Flores Yellow card 33'
Cristian Techera 38'
Kendall Waston Yellow card 78'		 Report John Goossens 5'
Gilberto Yellow card 36', 51' (pen.)
Kennedy Igboananike 81' (pen.)
Collin Fernandez Yellow card 86'		 Stadium: Providence Park
Wed., February 24, 2016 Chicago Fire 4–0 Minnesota United FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 Joey Calistri 24', 35'
Matt Polster Yellow card 42'
Patrick Doody Yellow card 55'
Kingsley Bryce 62'
Arturo Álvarez 89' (pen.)		 Report Damian Lowe Yellow card 75' Stadium: Providence Park
February 27, 2016 Portland Timbers 0–2 Chicago Fire Portland, Oregon
19:00 Zarek Valentin Yellow card 21'
Jermaine Taylor Yellow card 34'
Diego Chará Yellow card 56'		 Report João Meira Yellow card 4'
Arturo Álvarez 28'
Gilberto 35'
Matt Polster Yellow card 81'
Kennedy Igboananike Yellow card 82'		 Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,134

Major League Soccer

Main article: 2016 Major League Soccer season

Kickoff times are in CDT (UTC-05), unless posted otherwise

March 6, 2016 Match 1 Chicago Fire 3–4 New York City FC Bridgeview, Illinois
13:00 CST (UTC-06) Cocis 19'
Meira Yellow card 32'
Igboananike 49'
Polster Yellow card 62'
Accam 72' (pen.)		 Report McNamara 10'
Brillant Yellow card 14'
Taylor 29', Yellow card 59'
Shelton 36'
Diskerud 63'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 17,768
Referee: Armando Villarreal
March 11, 2016 Match 2 Orlando City SC 1–1 Chicago Fire Orlando, Florida
18:00 CST (UTC-06) Larin 4'
Higuita Yellow card 62'
Carrasco Yellow card 75'
Shea Yellow card 90'		 Report Accam 14', Yellow card 83'
Polster Yellow card 28'
Harrington Red card 32'
Meira Yellow card 71'		 Stadium: Orlando Citrus Bowl
Attendance: 29,041
Referee: Ted Unkel
March 19, 2016 Match 3 Chicago Fire 0–0 Columbus Crew SC Bridgeview, Illinois
16:00 Report Meram Yellow card 38' Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 12,605
Referee: Robert Sibiga
April 2, 2016 Match 4 Chicago Fire 1–0 Philadelphia Union Bridgeview, Illinois
16:00 Ramos Yellow card 37'
Igboananike 51'
Polster Yellow card 72'		 Report Creavalle Yellow card 13' Red card 47' Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 12,073
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
April 10, 2016 Match 5 New York City FC 0–0 Chicago Fire New York City, New York
18:00 Matarrita Yellow card 54' Report LaBrocca Yellow card 86' Stadium: Yankee Stadium
Attendance: 22,930
Referee: Mark Geiger
April 16, 2016 Match 6 Chicago Fire 1–2 Montreal Impact Bridgeview, Illinois
16:00 Igboananike 29' Report Drogba 56'
Piatti 90+1'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 14,509
Referee: Kevin Stott
April 30, 2016 Match 7 Chicago Fire 1–1 D.C. United Bridgeview, Illinois
16:00 Campbell 41'
Igboananike Yellow card 44'		 Report Rolfe Yellow card 45+1'
Nyarko 64'
Birnbaum Yellow card 83'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 13,114
Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
May 11, 2016 Match 8 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–1 Chicago Fire Vancouver, British Columbia
21:00 Pérez 36', 89'
Watson Yellow card 82'		 Report Igboananike 62' Stadium: BC Place
Attendance: 19,638
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
May 14, 2016 Match 9 New England Revolution 2–0 Chicago Fire Foxborough, Massachusetts
18:30 Nguyen 22'
Koffie Yellow card 24'
Woodberry Yellow card 57'
Agudelo Yellow card 80'
Hollinger-Janzen 84'		 Report Álvarez Yellow card 19' Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 18,997
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
May 18, 2016 Match 10 New York Red Bulls 1–0 Chicago Fire Harrison, New Jersey
18:30 Collin Yellow card 29'
Grella 58'		 Report Meira Yellow card 22'
Vincent Yellow card 78'		 Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 16,624
Referee: Robert Sibiga
May 21, 2016 Match 11 Chicago Fire 1–0 Houston Dynamo Bridgeview, Illinois
16:00 Álvarez 3'
Igboananike Yellow card 56'
Polster Yellow card 76'		 Report Horst Yellow card 23' Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 15,363
Referee: Allen Chapman
May 28, 2016 Match 12 Chicago Fire 1–1 Portland Timbers Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Accam 20'
Kappelhof Yellow card 38'
Ramos Yellow card 77'		 Report Valeri 18'
Ridgewell Yellow card 69'
Klute Yellow card 90+2'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 14,729
Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau
June 18, 2016 Match 13 Colorado Rapids 2–1 Chicago Fire Commerce City, Colorado
20:00 Doyle 57'
Pappa 89'
Burch Yellow card 90+4'		 Report Ramos Yellow card 67'
Calistri 81'		 Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Attendance: 18,103
Referee: Juan Guzman
June 22, 2016 Match 14 Philadelphia Union 4–3 Chicago Fire Chester, Pennsylvania
18:00 Campbell 11' (o.g.)
Alberg 15', 45+1', 56' (pen.), Yellow card 58'
Carroll Yellow card 36'
Tribbett Yellow card 37'		 Report Accam 2'
Cocis 69'
Thiam 80'
Campbell Yellow card 85'		 Stadium: Talen Energy Stadium
Attendance: 16,667
Referee: Jaime Herrera
July 1, 2016 Match 15 Chicago Fire 1–0 San Jose Earthquakes Bridgeview, Illinois
19:00 Stephens Yellow card 53'
Goossens 58'
LaBrocca Yellow card 90+3'		 Report Dawkins Yellow card 10'
Francis Yellow card 49'
Alashe Yellow card 66'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 16,487
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
July 9, 2016 Match 16 Toronto FC 1–0 Chicago Fire Toronto, Ontario
18:30 Morrow 9' Report Stadium: BMO Field
Attendance: 27,934
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
July 13, 2016 Match 17 Chicago Fire 1–0 Sporting Kansas City Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Leeuw 19'
Thiam Yellow card 26'
Álvarez Yellow card 68'
Meira Yellow card 79'		 Report Mustivar Yellow card 29'
Dwyer Yellow card 71'
Medranda Yellow card 85'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 13,879
Referee: Nima Saghafi
Note: The kickoff was delayed by 1 hour and 48 minutes due to a thunderstorm.
July 16, 2016 Match 18 FC Dallas 3–1 Chicago Fire Frisco, Texas
20:00 Urruti 23'
Díaz 41'
Rosales 90+2'		 Report Álvarez 90+1' Stadium: Toyota Stadium
Attendance: 13,942
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
July 23, 2016 Match 19 New England Revolution 1–0 Chicago Fire Foxborough, Massachusetts
18:30 Bunbury Yellow card 77'
Watson 85'		 Report Leeuw Yellow card 30'
Accam Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 21,872
Referee: Juan Guzman
July 31, 2016 Match 20 Chicago Fire 2–2 New York Red Bulls Bridgeview, Illinois
18:00 Accam 35'
Thiam Yellow card 38'
Polster 45+2'
Cocis Yellow card 76'		 Report Martins Yellow card 15'
Polster 16' (o.g.)
Grella Yellow card 57'
Wright-Phillips 90'
Zubar Yellow card 90+2'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 17,221
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
August 6, 2016 Match 21 Real Salt Lake 3–1 Chicago Fire Sandy, Utah
21:00 García 14', Yellow card 15'
Morales 28' (pen.), 64'		 Report LaBrocca Yellow card 35'
Álvarez 58'		 Stadium: Rio Tinto Stadium
Attendance: 19,909
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
August 14, 2016 Match 22 Chicago Fire 2–2 Orlando City SC Bridgeview, Illinois
15:00 Goossens 6'
Accam Yellow card 45+2'
Cocis 78'		 Report Larin 9'
Redding Yellow card 17'
Kaká 32'
Aja Yellow card 86'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 18,148
Referee: Mark Geiger
August 20, 2016 Match 23 Montreal Impact 0–3 Chicago Fire Montreal, Quebec
19:30 Ciman Yellow card 44'
Drogba Yellow card 71'		 Report Solignac 15', Yellow card 31'
Accam 73'
Polster 89'		 Stadium: Saputo Stadium
Attendance: 20,801
Referee: David Gantar
August 24, 2016 Match 24 Chicago Fire 2–2 LA Galaxy Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Álvarez 34'
Accam 39' (pen.), Yellow card 90+3'		 Report Zardes 31'
Van Damme Yellow card 38'
Santos 69'
Lletget Yellow card 71'
Hušidić Yellow card 76'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 16,179
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
August 27, 2016 Match 25 D.C. United 6–2 Chicago Fire Washington, D.C.
18:00 Jeffery Yellow card 19'
Mullins 40', 45+1', 74'
Nyarko 51'
DeLeon 89'		 Report Leeuw 31', Yellow card 47'
Thiam Red card 34'
Kappelhof Yellow card 36'
Cocis 45+2'		 Stadium: RFK Stadium
Attendance: 15,720
Referee: Drew Fischer
September 3, 2016 Match 26 Chicago Fire 3–0 Philadelphia Union Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Alberg 22' (o.g.)
Meira Yellow card 58'
Cocis Yellow card 61'
Kappelhof Yellow card 64'
Leeuw 71'
Álvarez 90'		 Report Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 16,102
Referee: Ted Unkel
September 10, 2016 Match 27 Chicago Fire 1–2 Toronto FC Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Michael de Leeuw 58' Report Altidore 33'
Osorio 52'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 18,391
Referee: Marcos de Oliveira
September 16, 2016 Match 28 Chicago Fire 2–2 D.C. United Bridgeview, Illinois
19:00 Cocis 22'
Accam 29'		 Report Vincent 19'
Boswell 90+2'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 13,807
Referee: Kevin Stott
September 23, 2016 Match 29 New York City FC 4–1 Chicago Fire New York City, New York
19:00 Mena 8'
Villa 9', 83'
Mendoza 44'
Brillant Yellow card 72'		 Report Solignac 35' Stadium: Yankee Stadium
Attendance: 25,011
Referee: Jaime Herrera
Wed., September 28, 2016 Match 30 Seattle Sounders FC 1–0 Chicago Fire Seattle, Washington
21:30 Marshall 24'
Lodeiro Yellow card 58'		 Report Cocis Yellow card 75' Stadium: CenturyLink Field
Attendance: 39,269
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
October 1, 2016 Match 31 Columbus Crew SC 3–0 Chicago Fire Columbus, Ohio
18:30 Afful 8'
Meram 50'
Duka 59'		 Report Ramos Yellow card 88' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 20,034
Referee: Alejandro Mariscal
October 13, 2016 Match 32 Chicago Fire 2–2 Columbus Crew SC Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Parkhurst 53' (o.g.)
Leeuw 57'
Cocis Yellow card 80'
Meira Yellow card 85'		 Report Jahn 13', 80' Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 15,883
Referee: David Gantar
October 16, 2016 Match 33 Chicago Fire 2–1 New England Revolution Bridgeview, Illinois
14:00 Leeuw 9'
Thiam 44'
Solignac Red card 54'
Accam 80'
Polster Yellow card 90+2'		 Report Kamara Yellow card 29'
Fagúndez 43'
Woodberry Yellow card 51'
Knighton Red card 73'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 18,976
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
October 23, 2016 Match 34 Toronto FC 3–2 Chicago Fire Toronto, Ontario
15:00 Giovinco 45' (pen.)
Zavaleta Yellow card 45+2'
Morrow 54'
Osorio 62'		 Report Leeuw 18'
Goossens 83'		 Stadium: BMO Field
Attendance: 25,235
Referee: Fotis Bazakos

U.S. Open Cup

Further information: 2016 U.S. Open Cup

The Chicago Fire entered the 2016 U.S. Open Cup with the rest of Major League Soccer in the fourth round.[49]
Kickoff times are in CDT (UTC-05)

June 15, 2016 Fourth round Chicago Fire 1–1 (a.e.t.)
(4–3 p)		 Indy Eleven Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 Nick LaBrocca Yellow card 87'
David Accam 111'		 Report Justin Braun Yellow card 27', 105'
Nicki Paterson Yellow card 72'
Souleymane Youla Yellow card 90+2'
Nemanja Vuković Yellow card 117'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 5,543
Referee: Elvis Mahmutovic
Penalties
Igboananike soccer ball with red X
Thiam soccer ball with check mark
Vincent soccer ball with check mark
LaBrocca soccer ball with check mark
Accam soccer ball with check mark		 Paterson soccer ball with check mark
Zayed soccer ball with check mark
Vuković soccer ball with red X
Keller soccer ball with red X
Ubiparipović soccer ball with check mark
June 28, 2016 Round of 16 Chicago Fire 2–1 Columbus Crew SC Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 David Accam 7', 29'
Nick LaBrocca Yellow card 53'
Rodrigo Ramos Yellow card 66'		 CHI Report
MLS Report		 Ethan Finlay 79' (pen.)
Tyson Wahl Yellow card 90'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 6,190
Referee: Nima Saghafi
July 20, 2016 Quarterfinals Chicago Fire 3–0 Fort Lauderdale Strikers Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 David Accam 5' (pen.)
Michael de Leeuw 35'
Khaly Thiam 51'		 Report Gale Agbossoumonde Yellow card 30' Yellow-red card 70'
Julius James Yellow card 47'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 3,666
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
August 9, 2016 Semifinals New England Revolution 3–1 Chicago Fire Foxborough, Massachusetts
19:00 Kei Kamara 16' (pen.)
Je-Vaughn Watson 42', Yellow card 51'
Teal Bunbury 85'
Kelyn Rowe Yellow card 89'		 Report David Accam 40', Red card 89'
Johan Kappelhof Yellow card 43'
Michael de Leeuw Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 9,801
Referee: Edvin Jurisevic

Stats

Leading scorers

Italics indicate player who departed the club during the season.
Updated to match played on October 23, 2016.
Source: MLSsoccer.com statistics - 2016 Chicago Fire

Appearances and goals

No. Pos Nat Player Total MLS Regular season MLS Cup Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
2 MF United States USA Matt Polster 17 1 12+2 1 0+0 0 2+1 0
3 DF United States USA Brandon Vincent 18 0 13+1 0 0+0 0 3+1 0
4 DF Netherlands NED Johan Kappelhof 25 0 19+2 0 0+0 0 3+1 0
5 DF United States USA Michael Harrington 16 0 14+1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
6 DF United States USA Eric Gehrig 6 0 2+2 0 0+0 0 1+1 0
7 MF Netherlands NED John Goossens 15 1 8+5 1 0+0 0 2+0 0
8 MF Netherlands NED Michael de Leeuw 8 1 5+1 0 0+0 0 2+0 1
9 FW Argentina ARG Luis Solignac 1 0 1+0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
11 FW Ghana GHA David Accam 17 10 12+1 5 0+0 0 4+0 5
12 MF El Salvador SLV Arturo Álvarez 21 3 15+3 3 0+0 0 3+0 0
13 DF Brazil BRA Rodrigo Ramos (on loan from Coritiba) 22 0 14+4 0 0+0 0 4+0 0
15 FW United States USA Joey Calistri 13 1 2+8 1 0+0 0 0+3 0
16 DF United States USA Jonathan Campbell 24 1 18+2 1 0+0 0 4+0 0
18 MF United States USA Drew Conner 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
19 MF Senegal SEN Khaly Thiam (on loan from MTK Budapest) 14 2 9+2 1 0+0 0 3+0 1
21 MF United States USA Nick LaBrocca 15 0 5+7 0 0+0 0 1+2 0
22 DF United States USA Patrick Doody 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
26 MF United States USA Michael Stephens 15 0 11+2 0 0+0 0 1+1 0
30 MF Romania ROU Răzvan Cociș 23 2 10+9 2 0+0 0 4+0 0
66 DF Portugal POR João Meira 17 0 14+2 0 0+0 0 0+1 0
Players currently out on loan with another club: (Statistics shown are the appearances made and goals scored while at Chicago Fire)
17 MF United States USA Collin Fernandez (on loan to Saint Louis FC) 2 0 0+2 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
29 FW United States USA Alex Morrell (on loan to Saint Louis FC) 4 0 0+4 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
Players who left the club during the season: (Statistics shown are the appearances made and goals scored while at Chicago Fire)
9 FW Brazil BRA Gilberto (mutually terminated contract) 9 0 8+1 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
77 FW Nigeria NGA Kennedy Igboananike (traded) 21 4 18+0 4 0+0 0 2+1 0

Goalkeeper stats

No. Nat Player Total Major League Soccer U.S. Open Cup
GS GP MIN GA GAA W GS GP MIN GA GAA W GS GP MIN GA GAA W
23 United States Patrick McLain 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0
25 United States Sean Johnson 22 22 1980 37 1.68 6 22 22 1980 37 1.68 6 0 0 0 0 0.00 0
28 United States Matt Lampson 15 15 1380 22 1.43 4 11 11 990 18 1.64 1 4 4 390 4 0.92 3

Source: Chicago Fire goalkeeper stats

National team participation

Four Fire players have been called up to play for their senior national teams during this season.

Players Team Competition Opponent Date Goals Minutes Ref
Brandon Vincent  United States Friendly  Canada February 5, 2016 0 45' [50][51]
Matt Polster  United States Friendly  Canada February 5, 2016 0 unused sub [50][51]
David Accam  Ghana 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification  Mozambique March 24, 2016 0 0' (injury) [52]
David Accam  Ghana 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification  Mozambique March 27, 2016 0 0' (injury) [52]
David Arshakyan  Armenia Friendly  Czech Republic August 31, 2016 0 unused sub [53][54]
David Accam  Ghana 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification  Rwanda September 3, 2016 0 Earned a start [53][55]
David Arshakyan  Armenia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification  Denmark September 4, 2016 0 70' [53][55][56]
David Accam  Ghana Friendly  Russia September 6, 2016 0 12' [53][57]

Recognition

MLS Goal of the Week

Week Player Report
24 Argentina Luis Solignac GOTW

MLS Team of the Week

Week Player Position Report
5 Netherlands Johan Kappelhof D Report
17 Brazil Rodrigo Ramos D Report
24 Ghana David Accam F Report
26 United States Sean Johnson GK Report
Portugal João Meira D
Netherlands Michael de Leeuw F

MLS All-Star Game

Position Player Report
Defender United States Brandon Vincent Report

MLS 24 under 24

Chicago Fire midfielder Matt Polster was selected to Major League Soccer's "24 under 24" list, an annual ranking of the top players in the league under the age of 24.[58][59]

Team annual awards

Forward/midfielder David Accam was named the team's Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner for the second year in a row in both categories. In 24 league matches Accam scored nine goals and had five assists. Accam also had team-high 14 goals across all competitions of the season.[60]

In his first year with the club Johan Kappelhof was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Tied with Jonathan Campbell for a team-high 33 league appearances, Kappelhof made 85 clearances, 17 blocks and 113 interceptions during his first MLS campaign.[60]

Goalkeeper Sean Johnson was chosen Section 8 Chicago Supporters' Player of the Year.[61][62]

Kits

Home
Away
Type Shirt Shorts Socks First appearance / Info
Home Red Red Red [63][64]
Away White White White [65][66]

Primary kit

The new primary kit for 2016 season was officially unveiled on January 25, 2016. The jersey features an all-red design with the return of the iconic white bar across the chest. The Chicago city flag embossed on the lower front for the jersey's jock tag.[63][64]

Secondary kit

According to the league's bi-annual rotation of kits the secondary kit carried over from the previous season. It was originally unveiled on March 2, 2015. The design and details were inspired by the City of Chicago flag.[65][66]

Draft pick trades

Picks acquired:

Picks traded:

References

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  2. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Chicago Fire 1 - Match Recap". mlssoccer.com. May 11, 2016.
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  4. ^ "Toronto FC 3 Fire 2 - recap and ratings". Chicago Fire Confidential. October 24, 2016.
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  10. ^ "Chicago Fire Sign Midfielder Nick LaBrocca". chicago-fire.com. January 27, 2016.
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  19. ^ "Chicago Fire Sign 2016 MLS SuperDraft Pick Alex Morrell". chicago-fire.com. March 11, 2016.
  20. ^ "Chicago Fire Acquire Dutch Forward Michael de Leeuw". chicago-fire.com. May 17, 2016.
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