In a dramatic father-son showdown, Chicago Fire secured a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, ending the Canadian side's perfect start
Chicago Fire FC defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1Chicago has first three-match road winning streak since 2009Sebastian Berhalter faced father Gregg for the first time in MLS playGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED
In a highly anticipated cross-conference clash at BC Place, Chicago Fire FC, led by head coach Gregg Berhalter, handed the Vancouver Whitecaps their first defeat of the 2025 MLS season with a convincing 3-1 victory Saturday night.
The match marked the first time Gregg Berhalter coached against his son Sebastian – a starting midfielder for Vancouver – in professional play, adding a personal dimension to the tactical battle on the field.
Sebastian Berhalter joined the Whitecaps in February 2022 via trade from Columbus Crew. Son of the Chicago Fire coach, Sebastian agreed to a new contract in 2023 that will keep him in Vancouver through 2025, with a club option for 2026. He started and played all 90 minutes against Chicago, attempting three shots and completing 80 percent of his passes.
"Every time there was a set piece, I held my breath – he puts in some good balls. It's kind of annoying!" Gregg, the former USMNT coach, joked after the match. "Everyone is here – aunts, uncles, grandparents. Thankfully, we won, so I don’t have to buy dinner."
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It was just the second time in league history that a head coach face off against his son. The two men had much to say before the game, with Sebastian jokingly indicating that the family support was behind him, not his father.
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Chicago Fire ended Vancouver's perfect start to the 2025 MLS season. Hugo Cuypers opened the scoring for Chicago in the first minute, but Daniel Ríos equalized for Vancouver in the 14th minute. Philip Zinckernagel regained the lead for Chicago in the 62nd minute, and Rominigue Kouamé sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
This win marked Chicago's third consecutive road victory, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2009.
Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn ImagesWHAT’S NEXT?
Following their win over the Eastern Conference leaders, Chicago Fire host CF Montreal next at Soldier Field on March 29, and then go on the road to face the New York Red Bulls on April 5.
Sebastian Berhalter and the Vancouver Whitecaps go on the road against Toronto FC on March 29 before hosting Pumas UNAM in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal clash on April 2.
