MenInRed97

John and Tim invite Apple TV's Nate Bukaty around The Bonfire ahead of the Fire's upcoming clash against DC United. Bukaty has a warning for the Chicago Fire; DC is going to slow down the game. How will GGG structure his attack as the offense looks to build some consistency in 2026. Nate calls for Zinkernagel to be unlocked and sings the praises of surprise game ball winner Dylan Borso. Pr...

John and Tim chat at The Bonfire in the wake of Gregg Berhalter's side moving to 1-1-1 with a draw in Columbus. Chris Mueller starts up top after Hugo Cuypers sat out with an injury. The Fire return to 3 in the back and keep a clean sheet against a Crew side that historically puts goals past Chicago's Keepers. Chris Brady gave a strong performance against a side that generated 1.7xG.

John and Tim gather 'round The Bonfire and look ahead to Columbus, where the Fire take on the Crew this weekend. Joe Mansueto breaks ground on the club's new, privately funded home at The 78.

John and Tim join around The Bonfire and recap the Fire's first home win of the season. Jonathan Dean was sent off for a denial of goal scoring opportunity, but Gregg Berhalter's side added to Montréal's woes and saw out a 3-0 victory. Jonathan Bamba returns to the starting XI alongside Captain Jack Elliot, and Mauricio Pineda.

Hot Takes LIVE is back! Join founder of MIR97, Matt Shableman, as he brings together a whole new crew of Fire sickos who rant, rave, and argue over YOUR Hot Takes. This week, Matt, Alan, and Daniel talk who's vital to the squad? Is Lewa the answer? Anyone on the team already a bust? Fire a top 3 team???? Find us LIVE on the last Thursday of every month at https://www.youtube.com/@meninred97

The Fire are back at Soldier Field this Saturday for a matinée – appropriately against CF Montréal. John and Tim talk Montréal's season opener in what they could only call a "thumping," who will likely be back from injury for the Fire and talk about formations and tactics for the home opener. They also shout out the imminent return of the Boys II Men In Red, as Fire II take on Inter...

John and Tim welcome MIR 97 Founder Matt Shabelman around the Bonfire to review what went wrong in the Fire's first action of the 2026. Houston recovered in the second half after Hugo Cuypers open his account in the first half. Get in your Hot Takes for the first Hot Takes LIVE of 2026, Live on the MIR97 YouTube page the last Thursday every month: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfa69...

John sits down with Tim and Joseph Lowery of Backheeled.com to kick off the 2026 campaign as the Fire travel to Houston to open the season on Saturday. Omari Glasgow is loaned to Monterey Bay FC in the USL. The Fire release their new home kit that maintains the classic look of the club. Then, the guys preview the 2026 Chicago Fire season. https://www.backheeled.com/author/joseph-lowery/

The Fire head to the Coachella Valley Invitational and open the last stage of preseason with a 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy as Mbokazi sees his debut for the Fire.

John and Tim pull a chair up to The Bonfire to recap a quiet week in FireLand.  Puso Dithejane will join the club for the next stretch of preseason. Pumas make a bid for Philip Zinkernagel, but are rejected by Chicago. MLS exports more players to Europe while continuing to acquire more talent this transfer window. Apple TV and MLS announce reductions to Spanish language broadcasts; where's the...

John and Tim bundle up around The Bonfire while dreaming of being in Florida while reviewing two preseason wins for the Men in Red. Fire are sitting on $5.1M in GAM, what does that mean for the club in 2026?

John and Tim are joined by Drew Vanderploeg from the Home & Away pod to cover the upcoming (!!) preseason match against SKC. Kellyn Acosta moves to Europe after a lackluster stint in Chicago. At the same time, Puso Dithejane joins from TS Galaxy F.C. from South Africa's Betway Premiership. Correction: the Fire played Fortaleza EC during the 2025 preseason and will not being playing them in...

John and Tim gather around the bonfire to kick off Season 4 with a mailbag! First, Raphaël Wicky returns to MLS as the next head coach of SKC. Justin Reynolds also moves to SKC, looking to secure more minutes. Guti makes his debut for Chivas and gets an assist. What would adding Robert Lewandowski mean for the roster build in 2026?

John and Tim chat about the signing of Finland international midfielder Robin Lod who appears destined to start the season as the Fire's #10. Mbokazi impresses in AFCON loss to Egypt with performance against Mohamad Salah.

John and Tim sit down to talk offseason Chicago Fire football. Robert Lewandowski in talks to join Fire in summer 2026. MLS Next Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook signs first team contract.

John and Tim gather around The Bonfire on a frigid Chicago morning to talk about Homegrown fan-favorite Brian Gutiérrez headed south of the boarder in a sale with Chivas worth about $5M. Georgios Koutsias is officially transferred to FC Lugano. MLS Next Pro Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook sings with the first team. Mo Salah is the latest global superstar linked to the Fire. Are the Men in Red g...

John and Tim talk about Guti's future in Mexico while Mbekezeli Mbokazi signs for Fire while playing in AFCON. The 20 year old center back has created a stir in the Fire community as predictions swirl about who will start at CB come Opening Day. First, the 2025 MLS season ends with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami lifting the MLS Cup. What does Apple's streaming deal mean for a league looking...

John is joined by DJ and Tim to review Chicago's roster decisions. First, the crew previews the 2025 MLS Cup and makes their picks. MLS schedules released for 2026 season. Smoke is still swirling around Guti's potential big money move to Liga MX. Omar Gonzalez joins Chicago Fire II as a player-coach.

Alan, Tim, DJ and John discuss the change approved by MLS owners to flip the MLS calendar to align more closely with Europe.

John is joined by Alan and DJ to break down some of the early moves and rumors of the 2026 Fire offseason. Guti is drawing attention from Mexico. Acosta is likely on the move after being pushed by a homegrown. Walker Zimmerman will move on from Nashville, is there a place in Chicago for him? Captain Jack is yet to be confirmed for next season.

John is joined by Tim and DJ to recap the the 2025 Chicago Fire season. First, moves begin as GGG builds towards 2026 as Andre Franco signs a permanent deal. Fire announce signing of Swedish international Midfielder Anton Salétros from AIK in Sweden. Brian Gutiérrez may be on the move after acquiring a Mexican passport amid rumored interest from Chivas.

John is joined by Tim and DJ to recap the final game of the 2025 Chicago Fire season that saw the Men in Red go down 3-0 to the Philadelphia Union.

John is joined by Tim and Steve Cangialosi from MLS Season Pass to preview the next playoff match against Philadelphia Union. Philip Zinkernagel makes an appearance at practice this week. Steve shares what he loves about Jack Elliot. Bamba continues to make an impact despite the souring perception.

John is joined by Matt, Alan, Tim, and Alex from CHGO in a live reaction to Chicago's comeback loss in the opening game of the series against Philadelphia Union. Recorded Live at the Second Star Tavern at the Endeavor Health Fire Pitch on October 26, 2025.

John is joined by Alan, DJ and Tim to preview the opening match of the next round of the MLS Playoffs as the Fire look to bounce back from back to back loses against the Supporter Shield winners, Philadelphia Union. Come and join the Bonfire boys LIVE this Sunday at the Endeavor Health Fire Pitch for a watch-along and a post game live recording of The Bonfire!