The Chicago Fire will play a home game against the Columbus Crew on June 28 for their Round of 16 matchup in the U.S. Open Cup. This is fantastic news seeing as the Fire have never been defeated by Columbus in the tournament.
When U.S. Soccer announced the Open Cup regional pairings, many Fire fans were understandably hoping for a home matchup with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers.
On paper, a chance to play one of only two NASL teams left in the competition at home seems like a gift. But the Fire may have had a better option and that option became reality during Thursday's draw.