Chicago Fire Notebook: Fabian Herbers on 100th Fire Start, Chris Brady on Clean Sheets, More

Fabian Herbers made his 100th start with the Chicago Fire midweek when they traveled to FC Cincinnati, a landmark achievement for a player that was brought despite plenty of speedbumps early in his professional career.

The Fire took a chance on Herbers in December 2018 when they acquired him from the Philadelphia Union for a 2019 second-round draft pick that was eventually used by FC Cincinnati to draft Tommy McCabe 29th overall. Herbers had been bouncing between the Union and their then-USL Championship affiliate Bethlehem Steel since they’d drafted him sixth overall in 2016 out of Creighton, where he’d primarily operated as a number nine.

Eight seasons later, Herbers is exceedingly grateful that he was given enough time to come into his own as a professional after struggles early in his pro career.

“It feels good,” Herbers told On Tap Sports Net. “Obviously, I came here and Chicago took a chance on me. I’m very grateful to get that opportunity because things back then weren't so good with me in Philly. I’d suffered from injuries and was not really playing all that much.

“And then getting that achievement throughout the years, getting the trust from several coaches to start me always feels good. And I'm still not finished, I want to keep going obviously. So yeah, it feels good but we still have a lot more to achieve.”

Most draft picks are expected to perform quickly. It took Herbers a while to get comfortable in Philadelphia but the minutes never consistently came for him there, especially as he adjusted to a new position as a professional. He’d tell players that are now in that position that they need to expect highs and lows throughout their development.

“I think being aware of the ups and downs, not everything is gonna go smoothly. Probably, if you get drafted that high, you are more likely than not going to be a very good player in college. Things might have gone good for you but expect that in the professional level things might not turn out to be that good right off the start.

“Throughout your career you might have your ups and downs. Just to deal with it, just to keep going, keep believing in your abilities and just keep at it. Keep going and always work hard. Trust coaches, we work that hard work as well. They see if you work hard, they want to reward you and then they feel like you're a good part of the team.”

At 31, Herbers said he’s now excited at the prospect of achieving another 100 starts as his side looks to finally qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

From the rest of my notebook:

Chris Brady on Defense’s Growing Confidence

The Fire’s 20-year-old Homegrown goalkeeper has been playing exceptionally well of late and was rewarded with a spot on Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday Starting XI after keeping a clean sheet midweek against FC Cincinnati, his second straight shutout and fourth in 2024.

After complimenting his defenders, Brady said that the clean sheets have helped his side build confidence entering their match in Fort Lauderdale.

“It just reinstates that belief in our own minds that no matter who we're going up against or where it is, we'll always have a chance,” said Brady after the win over Cincinnati. “Especially if we keep a clean sheet during the game, it always gives us an opportunity to score and get a result in any game.”

Justin Reynolds is Back

The Fire’s 20-year-old fullback has been training with the club since FC Lugano’s season ended in June but is now eligible for selection going forward. Lugano did not exercise their purchase option on Reynolds’ contract so he provides the Fire with another depth piece as they’ve been dealing with injuries at left back. The Homegrown defender has been itching to get back on the pitch with Chicago after a loan that he’s described as productive despite very few competitive minutes in Lugano.

No Messi, No Party?

Lionel Messi won’t be available for Inter Miami when the Fire travel there over the weekend but the South Florida side has proven recently that they can manage well in MLS without their superstar.

Fabian Herbers is expecting the Messi-less Miami squad to be a difficult task for the Fire.

“It's a good team even without Messi. They have proven that even though he has been away, they’re still winning games. They're still very consistent and have a lot of young and good talented players that know how to play, that know how to play on the highest level.

“So I think it's gonna be hot and humid. We have to defend together as a unit. And with a ball we have to create chances and make our moments for ourselves.”

How to Watch Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami CF

Who: Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami CF

When: July 20, 6:30 PM CT

Where: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

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