Chicago Fire FC II will kick off its third consecutive appearance in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs with a road match against New England Revolution II on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Chicago returns to the postseason following a team-record 12 victories in 2025. For the first time in team history, Chicago Fire II led all of MLS NEXT Pro in goals scored, tallying 69 in 2025. Leading the league’s best attack is its top scorer, Jason Shokalook, who scored 20 goals to win Chicago’s second straight Golden Boot award after David Poreba’s 2024 campaign. He arrives in hot form as well, scoring in four consecutive matches to finish the season, three of them in multi-goal fashion. For his performance, Shokalook earned the league’s Player of the Month award in September – just in time for the postseason.
As the third seed in the Eastern Conference, New England picked Chicago in the league’s Pick-Your-Opponent format to set the first round of the playoffs. In three matches this season between the conference rivals, the Revolution have the only victory, with the other two ending in draws. At the center of the New England attack is the MLS NEXT Pro Playmaker of the Year, midfielder Marcos Dias, who set the league record for assists with 13 in 2025.
Game Information
CHICAGO FIRE FC II (12-9-7-5, 48 points) at New England Revolution II (14-7-7-5, 54 points)
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
All-Time MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season Record vs. NE: (2-3-5-2)
Last Game vs. NE: July 13, 2025 (3-4 L) – SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, Ill. (Match Recap)
Last Game at NE: August 31, 2025 (2-2 SOW) – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass. (Match Recap)
By the Numbers
1 – Chicago Fire II scored the most goals in all of MLS NEXT Pro this season, tallying 69 in 2025. The number is the second highest ever registered in MLS NEXT Pro history, trailing only the 2023 Colorado Rapids 2 side by one goal. Much of the scoring came from Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook, but 17 other players tallied at least one goal this season, including Trip Fleming’s eight goals and five assists this year.
2 – With his two goals against Columbus Crew 2, forward Jason Shookalook won Chicago’s second Golden Boot award in as many seasons. His brace was the fifth multi-goal scoring appearance in his last eight matches for Chicago Fire II. The highlight was a four-goal day in the Fire’s historic 9-2 win over New York Red Bulls II on July 27. But Shokalook preceded that with his first professional brace just one week prior, in a 3-2 road victory at Toronto FC II. “Shook” is hot just as Chicago kicks off the postseason.
33 – Chicago finished the season with the fewest cautions issued (33) in the league, committing the fourth fewest fouls (301). The numbers made the Fire the only team with fewer than 40 yellow cards in 2025. This discipline has reduced the number of free kicks in dangerous areas, and has helped keep the lineup consistent for much of the season.
Midfielder Trip Fleming celebrates in Chicago's 6-1 victory against Columbus Crew on Aug. 3 (Dan Svoboda | Chicago Fire FC)
Player Spotlight: Trip Fleming
Chicago Fire II midfielder Trip Fleming wrapped up a consistently productive season in his usual versatile way. Playing in a variety of roles – from attacking midfielder to fullback – the midfielder finished third on the team in goals with eight this season, while also second in minutes (2,113), appearances (25) and starts (24).
The team’s last match against New England was a perfect example of his quality. The midfielder filled in at left back for the first time from the start, wearing the captain’s armband for the full 90 minutes of the match. His hard work was rewarded in the 59th minute, when he scored his eighth of the year on a penalty kick. Even after the match, Fleming proved his worth, making the third kick of the shootout that clinched an extra point for the Fire at Gillette Stadium.
How to Watch
Chicago Fire FC II will kick off its third straight postseason appearance with a match at New England Revolution II on Sunday, Oct. 19. First kick in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT at Gillette Stadium. The match will be broadcast across the globe on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
