2024 Chicago Fire in Review: Andrew Gutman

Andrew Gutman’s return to the Chicago Fire didn’t go as the Hinsdale native would’ve liked as the left back spent much of the 2024 MLS season out with various injuries.

Gutman returned to Chicago in the offseason with much fanfare after a trade that sent Miguel Navarro to the Colorado Rapids. The local product came through the Fire Academy but wasn’t offered a professional deal and went to Indiana before beginning his professional career.

The injury bug was present throughout Gutman’s 2024 season and didn’t allow him to get through a single game before popping up. He didn’t even make it two minutes into the Fire’s season-opening 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union before his left hamstring presented an issue. To make matters worse, Gutman injured his other leg later in the season after finally returning from the injury he suffered in February.

Gutman only made 11 MLS appearances and logged 727 minutes in the league in 2024 but he did score one of the best goals you’ll ever see when the Fire hosted DC United at SeatGeek Stadium in September.

It'll be interesting to see what Gutman’s role looks like in 2025 under new head coach Gregg Berhalter. Former boss Frank Klopas wanted Gutman to be a focal point of the Fire’s attack from his left back spot, but it remains to be seen if the former USMNT coach will similarly dispatch him.