CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

May 13, 2026

Gregg Berhalter

Press Conference

Chicago Fire FC 3, D.C. United 1

GREGG BERHALTER: I thought it was a very difficult game. We knew what D.C. was going to bring to the game, a lot of physicality, a lot of first ball, a lot of second balls, a lot of set pieces, and I thought for the most part we dealt well with that.

You know, there was the goal in the first half that it was a second ball from a throw-in that we could have done better. But overall, the guys battled and really hung in there and did well.

At halftime we made a couple adjustments and really wanted to focus on playing between them and switching field, and I think when we did that we were able to open up some space and create some more chances and thankful to get the win.

Q. Considering the way the team was going at it and after the results the past three weeks, was it affecting their confidence. And how great was it to see this team be resilient and find a way not only to get enough for a result but get enough for a resounding three points?

GREGG BERHALTER: I think that there was a period in the second half where we started to lose the game plan and were playing too central, and straight ball central and that's what they are good at. They are good at defending those central channels and we were playing right into their hands.

There was a couple counterattacks attacks and we lost a couple balls and things were wobbling a little bit. But I think we steadied and the guys showed their resilience. It's important to get wins like that for the confidence of the group.

Q. Last time you played D.C., it was a pretty rough game for you guys the way it ended. Was there motivation especially when you were down at halftime?

GREGG BERHALTER: I think there's always motivation to win, right. You never have to give extra motivation to win a game.

You know, that game, D.C. we played them twice at home and they scored in the last couple minutes of the game in each of those games. That was disappointing. We're never happy with that, but for us, we take each game as they come and our focus was on trying to win a soccer game.

Q. Robin Lod, seems like he's coming into his own a little bit now and the team. Tough environment but he makes a big impact.

GREGG BERHALTER: Really happy with his performance. We needed a game changer. We needed someone who is dynamic and can cut through the opposition with speed, and he did that.

I think Maren came in and made a great impact, as well.

Q. Hugo now, 12 goals, eight games. Every single game he's played this season, he's scored. Can you speak about that especially with the All-Star voting?

GREGG BERHALTER: It's a great record. It's pretty clear that he's an All-Star. I think that it should be just a formality in terms of the voting because he's so impactful. He's stretching his record to -- how many games, did you say -- eight games. It's really impressive. He's important for the team.

Q. How much do you like the ability to have competition for that second center back spot with Joel and Mbokazi? I feel like it's only going to elevate those two, especially heading into the World Cup.

GREGG BERHALTER: Yeah, I would look at it as three center backs, right. Three center backs, plus we have Sam Rogers and Cupps who can play a role, as well.

But the three are pushing each other. They are three good center backs, and it's great to have them to play and contribute.

Q. I just wonder your thoughts on the midfield, you're shorthanded on that department --

GREGG BERHALTER: Short-handed? Okay.

Q. Curious your thoughts on Jay and D'Avilla's performance and how much did only have those two guys affect your preparations for the game tactically as a whole?

GREGG BERHALTER: It was challenging. We had a game plan if one of them went down, playing with one midfielder only. It became extremely challenging. But I thought they both did well, and I think both of them grew into the game as the game came.