New England Revolution beat Chicago Fire FC 1–0 on Matt Polster’s 26th-minute goal

Polster finishes the opening

New England assistant coach Michael Morris led the team while Marko Mitrović served a one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation. Chicago also had a suspension to account for before kickoff.

With Jack Elliott unavailable through suspension, Chicago defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen made his first MLS start against New England.

The hosts scored from their first substantial chance in the 26th minute. Peyton Miller advanced down the right and combined with Carles Gil, whose pass reached Matt Polster for a first-time finish. Gil and Miller supplied the assists.

Both goalkeepers deny second-half chances

Chicago increased its possession and chances after halftime, but Matt Turner prevented an equalizer as the visitors sought a way back into the match.

Turner dived left to deny Anton Saletros in the 48th minute. At the other end, Chris Brady stopped Miller at the near post in the 63rd minute after an Ilay Feingold cross.

Turner keeps Chicago out late

Turner repelled a shot from the top of the box in the 81st minute, then saved Philip Zinckernagel’s close-range effort in the 88th to preserve the lead.

New England held on through stoppage time despite Chicago’s pressure. The visitors finished with 19 shots to the hosts’ five and led the corner count 10–0.

A shutout and a playoff berth

Turner finished with six saves and his sixth shutout of the season, helping New England secure its tenth home victory.

The victory kept New England third in the Eastern Conference, ahead of fourth-place Chicago, with four regular-season matches remaining.

Despite the defeat, Chicago clinched a playoff berth after the match, securing consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 2009.