Chicago Fire's Brian Gutiérrez Looking to Seize Opportunity With USMNT

Brian Gutiérrez has been loving each and every moment of his first senior United States Men’s National Team camp in Florida.

The Chicago Fire’s 21-year-old Homegrown forward got the call-up from new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino just after the calendar changed over to 2025 and has been in Fort Lauderdale with the group as they prepare for two international friendlies over the next week.

For Gutiérrez, this experience was already a win when he got to share the news with his family. A close-knit bunch, he’s always ensuring they're included in his journey as a professional soccer player.

“When I told them about it, they were really happy, really proud,” Gutiérrez told On Tap Sports Net over the phone. “It was just a great feeling for me and my family.”

Gutiérrez has been a starter for the Fire in MLS for the last three seasons, generating 27 goal contributions in all competitions while becoming a fan-favorite at Soldier Field. Despite the on-field success, Gutiérrez never got senior national team call-ups from either the United States or Mexico despite being eligible to represent both CONCACAF nations.

So, the young forward took the initiative ahead of the 2024 MLS season to ensure he was capable of his dreams on the pitch while taking his physical training to a new level. He was operating under a similar mindset this offseason as the Chicago Fire overhauled their front office and installed Gregg Berhalter as their new director of football and head coach.

Gutiérrez had been in contact with the former USMNT boss throughout the offseason as he prepared for the upcoming MLS campaign, but his new coach encouraged his young forward to bring his best to the USMNT camp.

“I've just been preparing in the offseason, physically and mentally. I had a call with Gregg also, and we talked about just seizing the opportunity and making the most out of it, which I've been doing…

“Whether it's on the field or the little stuff in the gym. We have double sessions and just [getting] the most out of everything. And just giving my all and always [staying] mentally focused in every action and drill.”

That mental focus has been necessary as the entire USMNT adjusts to life under Pochettino. It will be a months-long process for the USMNT to play up to the desired-level in the system of the former Chelsea and PSG coach, which Gutiérrez has embraced.

“We've been learning what they want: what principles they have, what style of play they have. And, honestly, I came here to learn from them and to hear them out and see what they want. Just amplifying that on the field and, honestly, at the end of the day, just learning from them.”

One player who impressed Gutiérrez was Real Salt Lake forward Diego Luna, who could have represented Mexico at the national team level.

“Diego Luna is awesome, a really good player. We haven't really played together, but when we've been playing here together and in camp, I've really enjoyed playing with him. I feel like we have a great connection and we have kind of the style of play, which you just feed off and on the field.

“It's really easy to play with him.”

Gutiérrez has been away from the Fire as they have become a major player in the January transfer market, having already added Philip Zinckernagel, with others reportedly on the way.

“It's honestly what we needed. I think the club needs a breath of fresh air, and I think we're doing that. And I think it's really good for the club to be where we should be: at the top of MLS.”

What’s On Tap Next?

Gutiérrez and the USMNT will face off against Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 18 at 2:00 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast on TNT and MAX.