Evaluating the 3 Chicago Fire Debuts vs DC United

The Chicago Fire’s home opener was so close to finishing with the Fire keeping all three points before DC United’s Jacob Murrell’s miraculous bicycle kick goal on the match’s final kick sent both teams home from Soldier Field with a point.

While the Fire weren’t able to get the win, three members of their squad made their MLS debuts against DC.

Sam Rogers, Sam Williams and Harold Osorio all got time on the pitch for the Fire, though they weren’t able to help their side squeeze out a victory.

Here’s a look at all three’s MLS debuts:

Sam Rogers

Rogers was a last-minute inclusion in the Fire’s starting lineup after Carlos Terán suffered an injury during pre-match warmups. The 25-year-old center back slotted in next to Jack Elliott and held his own throughout the contest, though he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and conceded the handball that resulted in Christian Benteke skying a penalty kick into the 200 level at Soldier Field. Rogers played the entire match, had 68 touches, completed 44/52 passes, had eight clearances and won seven duels, per data from FotMob.

Fire head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter had this to say about Rogers’ debut:

“Sam had some good moments in the game. There's also some things that you can tell he was a little rusty – you know, with the penalty and some other plays. But you know, that's all part of it. And just like anyone, we’re going to look at the film of him and keep trying to move forward.”

Sam Williams

The rookie, who signed a deal with Chicago Fire II after three seasons at the University of North Carolina, got the start in place of the suspended Brian Gutiérrez and played 84 minutes before being subbed off for the final portion of the contest after dealing with some cramps. Williams held his own throughout the contest while having 52 touches, completing 33/41 passes (seven in the final third) and winning six duels, per FotMob. Berhalter was impressed by the rookie’s performance.

“This is a player who's playing with the second team and got an opportunity tonight. Another 19-year-old young player. And I thought he hung in there and gave everything he had. You see, he cramped and had to come out of the game. But you know, otherwise, a competitive game from Sam.”

Harold Osorio

Chicago Fire II’s Salvadoran midfielder came on in the match’s dying moments and his debut was a bit overshadowed by DC United’s match-tying goal. He won a single aerial duel but didn’t have the chance to do much otherwise in his few minutes on the pitch. Osorio is in the final year of his deal with the Fire’s MLS Next Pro side and will be looking to make another, longer cameo with the first team in 2025.

What’s On Tap Next?

The Fire will be in Frisco, Texas on March 8 to take on FC Dallas. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.