Chicago Fire FC 2023 Season Preview

Tom Bogert

2023 Schedule

Strength: They’ve kept most of their squad together for a year or two, so they should have a chemistry advantage over most teams.
Weakness: They need a lot of guys to show better in 2023 than they did in 2022 if we’re going to seriously say they have a talent advantage. Chemistry can take you only so far.

Gaga Slonina: Across a year and a half, homegrown goalkeeper Gaga Slonina caught the global transfer market’s attention. Now, the 18-year-old US international is MLS’s most expensive goalkeeper after joining English Premier League side Chelsea in a deal worth up to $15 million.
Jhon Durán: Slonina was briefly the Fire’s club-record transfer… until Jhon Durán made a huge move to English Premier League side Aston Villa for up to $22 million. The Colombian international signed with Chicago following his 18th birthday last winter, and by the fall, was their starting center forward and bright spot in a forgetful year.
Jhon Espinoza: In a corresponding move with Maren Haile-Selassie’s signing, defender Jhon Espinoza joined FC Lugano, which is also owned by Fire owner Joe Mansueto. Between Espinoza and Duran leaving, there are no more Jhons on the Fire roster (!).

Arnaud Souquet: Chicago have a new starting right back by way of Ligue 1-experienced Arnaud Souquet. The 30-year-old arrives from Montpellier after making 149 appearances in France’s top flight. He’s likely a day-one starter.
Maren Haile-Selassie: Winger Maren Haile-Selassie arrives from FC Lugano on loan, offering another option in the attack. The 23-year-old former Swiss youth international had 1g/3a in just under 700 Swiss league minutes this year before joining Chicago.
Full roster