Hugo Cuypers 'Frustrated' by Chicago Fire's Recent Run

Hugo Cuypers isn’t content with the current state of the Chicago Fire.

The Fire’s club-record signing scored the match-tying goal for his side in the 70th minute of Wednesday's 1-1 draw at home against Orlando City, a match he believes his side should have taken more than a point from. And the Orlando match isn’t an outlier, either.

Last weekend’s 1-1 draw with D.C. United came about after the Fire conceded following a mistake defending a set-piece. Given the club’s propensity for conceding soft goals in 2024, a shortage of scoring is hindering the Fire.

So Chicago’s No. 9 wasn’t going to celebrate when the Fire only got a point at home while conceding a sloppy goal to Orlando in the fourth minute even though he scored the equalizing goal in the 70th minute with his final touch before being taken off.

The Fire have taken points from their last two matches but are on a nine-match winless streak. Chicago has only scored four goals in its last nine matches, and Cuypers has contributed (two goals and an assist) on three of them (s/o Tim Hotze at MenInRed97.com for pointing that out ).

“I still feel frustrated,” said Cuypers. “I think just this past Saturday we got the better opportunities and, just, a game where we're not efficient enough. We gave up a goal too easily again and then in front we didn't finish the opportunities we had.

"I think from the last two games we should have had six points. To stay behind with just two [points] is frustrating. However, a lot of good things, the mentality is right and has been for the last couple of weeks and we must keep that standard going forward so we can get those three points like we deserve.”

Fire head coach Frank Klopas has repeatedly stated that his team needs to approach the rest of the 2024 season as if they are in a relegation battle. Cuypers doesn’t see that as a one-to-one comparison.

“I think it's hard for players not being in that context and with those rules. But as long as the mentality is right, we are approaching it the right way.”

Mentality has been the buzzword du jour for Klopas and the 2024 Fire. The group is sticking together according to their No. 9 and he’s encouraged by that amidst the difficulties in the first half of the season.

“I think a very positive thing about this group is that we stick together. It's been a hard couple months. It's no secret. But despite everything, we give everything. I've been in clubs where after a loss, everybody blames some other player. That’s not the case. The results are still not great, but the mentality is right, and you see it on the pitch.”

What’s On Tap Next?

The Fire will host the Los Angeles Galaxy at Soldier Field on June 1. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.

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