Joel Waterman scores 1st goal for the Chicago Fire in huge win vs. Minnesota - ICYMI
The Chicago Fire took a massive step towards reaching the playoffs this weekend, as they beat Minnesota United 3-0 at Allianz Field on Saturday, led by a goal from CanMNT defender Joel Waterman.
The Fire’s fifth win in the past eight MLS matches, this result pushed them into ninth place in the Eastern Conference with four games left in the regular season, too, which would be enough for them to make the playoffs as a wild-card team.
They still have work to do, as the New York Red Bulls sit just two points behind them, but the Fire do hold a game-in-hand over the Red Bulls, who reached the 2024 MLS Cup final and haven’t missed the playoffs in 15 seasons.
In this game, however, the Fire showed a glimpse of why they feel they can hold onto that ninth place - and perhaps even challenge for higher, as they sit five points behind seventh-place Nashville and eighth-place Columbus Crew, with a game in hand on both.
Despite facing off against a Minnesota United team that entered this game second in the Western Conference, the Fire dominated them on the road, generating 2.46 xG to Minnesota’s 0.97 and outshooting them 18 to 12.
Yet, that all started with a timely Waterman goal in the 26th minute of this game, as the Canadian centre back scored his first goal for his new club since being acquired from CF Montréal in a trade last month, doing so in just his second appearance for the Fire.
Joel's first with the Fire!!!!!!! #cf97 pic.twitter.com/Bu49SkOU0r
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) September 21, 2025
As one would expect, it came off a set piece, but instead of powering a shot home with his head, Waterman did well to finish a rebound from a tight angle on his left foot past CanMNT teammate Dayne St. Clair, showing good composure and shooting ability to score his first goal since April.
Aside from the goal, though, it was otherwise a strong showing from Waterman, who was asked to play in the middle of a back three for Chicago, which was a bit of a surprise formation shift from them, given that they’ve mostly operated in a back four all year long.
It proved to be a smart tactical shift from Fire manager Gregg Berhalter, however, and he was helped by the presence of Waterman, who is quite comfortable with the system from his time with Montréal - perhaps showing why Berhalter was eager to trust him as the middle centre back in this match.
That was shown by what Waterman was able to do on the ball, as he completed 76 out of 80 passes (95%), including six out of eight long balls and four passes into the final third, along with 92 touches - the latter was second on the team. What that demonstrates, however, was how important he was in the build-up play in this game, as he helped his team break down a Minnesota side known for sitting back and countering.
Waterman's pass map from this game (WyScout)
Waterman was also asked to defend - he finished with one tackle, two blocks, five clearances, one interception, two recoveries, and won three out of six duels - but his best work came on the ball, which isn’t unsurprising to see.
Presenting the top performers from Matchday 35. 💯
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 22, 2025
🗞️: https://t.co/o8GjMD0zfL pic.twitter.com/8fwqW1yEIb
Waterman was also named to MLS's TOTW for his efforts - earning a spot alongside CanMNT teammate Richie Laryea
Part of the reason this move was quite exciting to see from Waterman's perspective was due to Berhalter’s desire to play possession-based soccer, which certainly suits a defender best known for his ability on the ball.
He certainly showed off that ability on the ball in this game, and will look to build on that as the Fire get set for their last four regular-season games, which include a crucial head-to-head match vs. the Columbus Crew this weekend, before they then take on Inter Miami, Toronto FC and the New England Revolution to round off the campaign. 
The Crew matchup will be quite tough, in particular, as Waterman takes on his old Montréal manager in Wilfried Nancy, but it’ll be a good chance for the Fire to narrow the gap between them and the Crew to two points - and they’ll be at home for the match, too, which is a big bonus.
Because of that, keep an eye on these matches, as Waterman will look to further show why he could be a good acquisition for the Fire, while further cementing his spot in the next CanMNT squad in October after making two appearances for Canada earlier this month in friendlies vs. Romania and Wales.
For a full round-up of Canadians playing abroad, check out Mitchell Tierney's Form Guide
