Lively Los Angeles visitors have the edge over Fire
San Diego FC should have the momentum to beat Chicago Fire on Sunday. The club are fourth in the MLS 2025 standings with 39 points from 21 games, while the Fire are 15th with 28 after 20 games. Our Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC prediction reflects this momentum, as San Diego are currently riding high in the conference.
Coach Gregg Berhalter has tried to bring his old club’s house in order since taking charge in October 2024, emphasizing discipline and defensive solidity. Fire are compact and organised, patient in build-up and can be dangerous on the counter-attack, so they won’t be easy to break down.
But San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas has installed a completely different philosophy with his club, one that is predicated on aggressive pressing, quick transitions and the overwhelming firepower they possess in midfield and up top. This Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC preview highlights how this approach has made for some fast-paced and entertaining games with goals galore.
Loans look good to keep up goal-scoring trend
Playmaker Anders Dreyer, in particular, is in scorching form, providing seven assists in San Diego’s last five games to really get the forwards going. Milan Iloski has hit the net 10 times in 14 MLS appearances for the club, eight of which have come in their last five.
Chicago’s top scorer Hugo Cuypers has 11 goals in 19 games, which is a decent return for the club’s main target man. Philip Zinckernagel has chipped in with two of Chicago's 5 most recent goals.
This clash of styles should see some moments of chaos, and in our Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC prediction, San Diego will push hard to get their attacking players in the right positions. Chicago are a compact side at home, conceding only 12 in nine games, but they look vulnerable to the high-tempo San Diego.
Moreover, for those interested in Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC betting tips, it's important to note both teams' recent attacking performances.
San Diego can outscore the home team
The away team should have enough momentum and attacking quality to claim the win here, but Chicago have been resilient at home – winning two, drawing four and losing three this term.
San Diego, however, are a cut above most of the teams Fire have faced in the Windy City and there is a case for backing ‘Over 2.5 goals’ in what could be a high-scoring contest.
According to the latest Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC odds, San Diego are slight favorites at 2.6, but Fire are 2.62 for a victory and the draw is 3.75, so the smart play is to back the visitors.
Chicago’s only win in their past five came at home against Charlotte when they had to work hard for a 3-2 win, so they will be tough to crack this weekend even though they have suffered back-to-back defeats since – including a defeat after extra time to Minnesota United.
San Diego have won six of their 10 MLS away games, averaging 2.20 goals scored and 1.80 conceded on the road.
Their 8 goals in the last three away matches include 3-5 and 2-3 wins at Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas respectively. This Chicago Fire vs San Diego FC prediction further reinforces the visitors' strong away record and attacking threat.