The Chicago Fire secured a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs despite a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on Saturday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This marks the first time since 2009 that the Fire have qualified for the postseason in consecutive seasons.

Under the leadership of head coach Gregg Berhalter, the Fire clinched their second straight playoff berth thanks in part to Orlando City’s 4-1 victory over D.C. United later in the evening. Chicago currently holds a record of 14 wins, 10 losses, and 6 draws, totaling 48 points and placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference with four regular-season matches remaining.

Last season marked the Fire’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, where they recorded their first postseason win since 2009 by defeating Orlando City 3-1 in the Eastern Conference wild-card round.

The only goal of Saturday’s match came in the 26th minute when Matt Polster scored for New England. Polster received assists from Carles Gil and Peyton Miller before netting his second goal of the season, giving the Revolution a lead they maintained throughout the game. Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner made six saves, earning his sixth shutout in 30 starts this season. Turner had recorded only two clean sheets in his first 112 starts with the club, both of which occurred last year.

For Chicago, goalkeeper Chris Brady made three saves but was unable to prevent the defeat. The Fire have now dropped two consecutive matches following a previous three-game winning streak. Chicago will look to rebound when they face Atlanta United at home next Saturday.