Chicago Fire Training Notes Ahead of DC United

It’s not a must-win for the Chicago Fire in week two of the MLS season but a result at home against DC United would help the team build on its productive offseason.

Chicago dropped their 2025 opener against the Columbus Crew last weekend but the squad is slowly getting healthier, though they will be without Brian Gutiérrez against DC United.

The group has been training in Chicago all week ahead of hosting DC United and here are some of the news and notes from training on February 27:

Hugo Cuypers

Cuypers has been a full-go all week and Fire head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter said that he expects more minutes from his number nine against DC United after the striker only played the first half against the Columbus Crew.

Leonardo Barroso

Barroso was training today after missing the last few weeks due to injury but isn’t expected to be available against DC United.

Mauricio Pineda

Pineda is still not fully fit and will not be an option to start against DC United, though he’s likely to feature off the bench at some point.

Brian Gutiérrez

Gutiérrez was training with the team but will miss out on Saturday’s match against DC United due to his suspension.

Christopher Cupps

The Fire’s homegrown center back, 16, was the only member of the team in shorts and a t-shirt during training, although he did have gloves on. Youthful exuberance, I suppose.

Sam Williams or Harold Osorio?

With Gutiérrez out due to suspension and Pineda not fully fit, the Fire may have to turn to one of their Chicago Fire II midfielders to fill the gap against DC United after both were unused substitutes against the Crew. Gregg Berhalter described the midfield situation as a “toss up” heading into the contest against DC United during his weekly media availability, leaving the door open for Williams or Osorio to make his MLS debut at Soldier Field.