Chicago Fire get early goal from Philip Zinckernagel but fail to hold lead in 3-1 loss to New York City

Alonso Martínez scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half, and New York City FC beat the Chicago Fire 3-1 on Saturday night at Soldier Field.

The Fire grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute on Philip Zinckernagel’s 13th goal in his first season in the league. Brian Gutiérrez earned his fifth assist on the score.

NYCFC pulled even by halftime on Nicolás Fernández’s first goal. Martínez scored his 15th goal of the season unassisted in the 57th minute to give NYCFC the lead.

Seymour Reid, 17, capped the scoring in the third minute of stoppage time with his first goal. Reid subbed in for Martínez in the 90th minute.

Matt Freese finished with two saves for NYCFC (14-9-5). Chris Brady stopped two shots for the Fire (12-11-6).

NYCFC moves five points in front of the Fire after the two began the day holding on to the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

NYCFC will host the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. The Fire travel to play Minnesota United on Saturday.

Originally Published: September 13, 2025 at 10:41 PM CDT