Hugo Cuypers Named MLS Player of the Matchday

Hugo Cuypers did his part to help the Chicago Fire comeback from 3-1 down against Philadelphia midweek to win 4-3 and now he’s earned some acknowledgment for his efforts at Soldier Field.

The Fire’s club-record signing was named Major League Soccer’s Player of the Matchday for Matchday 24 after his brace in his side’s win over the Union.

Cuypers scored both of his goals after the 80th minute and his second sealed the Fire’s second comeback from 3-1 down at home in 2024.

Chicago’s number nine first scored in the 82nd minute off a header that was set up by Chris Mueller and followed that up with a lovely finish off a cross with his right boot in the second minute of second half stoppage time, sending the home crowd into a frenzy as he celebrated with his teammates piling on his back.

Cuypers is the first Fire player to earn the award since Jhon Durán on Matchday 20 of 2022. 

Cuypers was also on the starting 11 for MLS’ Team of the Matchday but he was joined on the squad by Maren Haile-Selassie, who was on the Team of the Matchday bench.

The Fire’s Swiss winger scored the first goal of the match on a tap-in right in front of Philadelphia’s net before assisting Cuypers on the match-winner with a beautiful cross from the left side.