In his debut season for the Chicago Fire, Zinckernagel scored on long shots, solo raids, and dribbles. With 15 goals and 12 assists in 32 MLS games, the Dane delivered a sparkling attacking game like Glimt’s. Now the new season is underway, before Saturday’s game, Philip Zinckernagel had one poor goal in seven games, but against FC Cincinnati, the former Bodø/Glimt star was back with production in front of the opponents’ goal.
In the 26th minute, the Dane sent a hard pass straight into the legs of Hugo Cuypers, who sent the Chicago Fire into the lead with a 0-1 score. This was the starting signal for what became a very entertaining and goal-rich match.
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Cincinnati tied the game at 1-1 in the 42nd minute after a goal by Tom Barlow. Deep into the first half, Chicago got four penalties, and Zinckernagel took care of it. In familiar style and brimming with confidence, the Dane sent the ball into the goal for a 1-2 lead, then Chicago sent in 1-3 at the beginning of the second half.
For a long time, it looked like Zinckernagel’s club was going to run away with the victory, but in some chaotic final ten minutes of the game, Cincinnati secured a penalty and a goal, then an own goal by Chicago’s Dje D’Avilla on a free kick.
It ended 3-3, with Zinckernagel scoring and assists. After 8 league games, the Chicago Fire are one point behind Messi’s Inter Miami and five points behind Nashville at the top.
We summarize Zinckenagel’s debut season, which shows the former Bodø/Giimt star has really established himself as one of MLS’s stars:
-Most Valuable Player (2025): Named Chicago Fires MVP of the 2025 team
-Club record for goal contributions: Set a new record for the Chicago Fire in a single season with 30 goal contributions (15 goals, 15 assists) in the 2025 regular season.
-Club record for assists: Broke the club’s record for assists in one season (previously 13) with 15 assists.
-MLS Newcomer of the Year Finalist: Named one of three finalists for the 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
-MLS All-Star: Selected to the 2025 MLS All-Star team as the coach’s selection.
-Consecutive Goal Contribution Record: Tied the MLS record by contributing a goal or assist in ten consecutive games.
-Fastest to 8G/8A: Became the fastest player in club history to reach eight goals and eight assists (17 games).
-Multiple MLS Team of the Year awards: Was named MLS Team of the Year several times for his performance.
And against league leader Nashville, Zinckernagel was again in place and decided. Fifteen seconds into the game, the Chicago Fire with Zinckernagel rushed in last on the ball for a game-winning 1-0 victory.
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Here you have Zinckernagel’s precision assist:
And penalty scoring:
