Houston Dynamo FC Defeats Chicago Fire FC 2-1
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Shell Energy Stadium
Houston Dynamo FC 2, Chicago Fire FC 1, final. Our MLS picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Fire FC vs Houston Dynamo FC?
Houston Dynamo FC beat Chicago Fire FC 2-1 at Shell Energy Stadium on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago Fire FC vs Houston Dynamo FC?
Houston Dynamo FC were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline +125 (about 44% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested match at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo FC secured a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC. This fixture was notable as it marked the first meeting of the season between these two teams, with Chicago leading the all-time series 3-2 prior to this encounter. Houston's win adds to their positive start in the current season, having recorded a home victory after their recent form.
Houston Dynamo FC entered the match with a record of 1-0-0 in the current season, having previously faced the Portland Timbers, where they won 1-0. In their last five matches, Houston's record stands at 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Their scoring average in this span is 1.3 goals per game, while they have allowed an average of 1.7 goals. At home, they have struggled somewhat with a record of 1-2, averaging 1.0 goals scored and 1.8 goals allowed in their last five home games.
On the other side, Chicago Fire FC came into this match with an away record of 0-0-1, having drawn their previous match against the New England Revolution 2-2. In their last five matches, Chicago has a record of 1 win, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with an average of 2.3 goals scored and 1.8 goals allowed. Their recent form has seen them struggle, particularly in their last two matches, which they lost, including the latest against Philadelphia Union, where they were defeated 3-0.
The match was played under typical conditions for early-season soccer, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm. Houston Dynamo FC's victory was crucial as they aim to build momentum in the league, while Chicago Fire FC will need to regroup after this setback.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Houston Dynamo FC favored with odds of +125 on the money line, while Chicago Fire FC was listed at +185. The spread was set at -0.5 for Houston, with a total of 2.5 goals for the match, indicating expectations for a competitive game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams would typically assess their squads for any fitness concerns following their previous matches.
As the match unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of tactical soccer, with Houston Dynamo FC leveraging their home advantage effectively. The victory not only boosts Houston's confidence but also puts pressure on Chicago Fire FC to address their recent struggles as they look ahead to their next fixtures.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU +125 | 2.5 o -150 / u +120 | Chicago Fire FC +185 · Houston Dynamo FC +125 |
Leaders
- Total ShotsEzequiel Ponce4Houston Dynamo FC
- Accurate PassesAntônio Carlos54Houston Dynamo FC
- SavesJonathan Bond2Houston Dynamo FC
- Total ShotsMaren Haile-Selassie2Chicago Fire FC
- Accurate PassesJoel Waterman65Chicago Fire FC
- SavesChris Brady2Chicago Fire FC
Recent form
Houston Dynamo FC
Last 10: 2-4-4Streak D11.3 scored · 1.7 allowed per game1-2 at home
- W1-0vs Portland TimbersSep 20
- L3-1vs Nashville SCSep 27
- L4-2vs San Diego FCOct 4
- D0-0vs Sporting Kansas CityOct 18
- W2-1vs Chicago Fire FCFeb 21
Chicago Fire FC
Last 10: 5-3-2Streak L22.3 scored · 1.8 allowed per game2-1 away
- D2-2vs New England RevolutionOct 18
- W3-1vs Orlando City SCOct 22
- L2-2vs Philadelphia UnionOct 26
- L3-0vs Philadelphia UnionNov 1
- L2-1vs Houston Dynamo FCFeb 21
Standings
| Team | Games played | Lost | Point differential | Points | Tied | Won | Rank | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville SC | 22 | 2 | +30 | 52 | 4 | 16 | 1 | 16-4-2 |
| Inter Miami CF | 22 | 4 | +15 | 42 | 6 | 12 | 2 | 12-6-4 |
| Chicago Fire FC | 21 | 6 | +11 | 37 | 4 | 11 | 3 | 11-4-6 |
| New England Revolution | 22 | 7 | +9 | 37 | 4 | 11 | 4 | 11-4-7 |
| Charlotte FC | 22 | 7 | +8 | 35 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 10-5-7 |
| FC Cincinnati | 22 | 7 | -2 | 31 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8-7-7 |
| New York City FC | 22 | 8 | +5 | 28 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7-7-8 |
| Red Bull New York | 22 | 10 | -14 | 26 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7-5-10 |
| Orlando City SC | 22 | 11 | -17 | 25 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 7-4-11 |
| Toronto FC | 22 | 7 | -6 | 25 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5-10-7 |
| D.C. United | 22 | 7 | -8 | 25 | 10 | 5 | 11 | 5-10-7 |
| Philadelphia Union | 22 | 10 | -5 | 24 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 6-6-10 |
| Atlanta United FC | 22 | 13 | -13 | 21 | 3 | 6 | 13 | 6-3-13 |
| CF Montréal | 22 | 11 | -16 | 21 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 5-6-11 |
| Columbus Crew | 22 | 12 | -8 | 20 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 5-5-12 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 21 | 4 | +30 | 43 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 13-4-4 |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 22 | 7 | +4 | 39 | 3 | 12 | 2 | 12-3-7 |
| LAFC | 23 | 7 | +14 | 36 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 10-6-7 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 22 | 8 | +6 | 34 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 10-4-8 |
| FC Dallas | 22 | 6 | +4 | 34 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 9-7-6 |
| St. Louis CITY SC | 22 | 6 | +3 | 34 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 9-7-6 |
| Colorado Rapids | 22 | 11 | +3 | 31 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 10-1-11 |
| San Diego FC | 22 | 8 | +7 | 30 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8-6-8 |
| Minnesota United FC | 22 | 7 | -2 | 29 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7-8-7 |
| Real Salt Lake | 21 | 9 | +1 | 28 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 8-4-9 |
| Portland Timbers | 22 | 10 | 0 | 28 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 8-4-10 |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 21 | 9 | -5 | 26 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 7-5-9 |
| LA Galaxy | 23 | 9 | -7 | 26 | 8 | 6 | 13 | 6-8-9 |
| Austin FC | 22 | 10 | -13 | 24 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 6-6-10 |
| Sporting Kansas City | 22 | 15 | -34 | 15 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 4-3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Dynamo FC | Chicago Fire FC |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls committed | 11 | 20 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 2 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 2 | 0 |
| Won corners | 3 | 5 |
| Saves | 2 | 2 |
| Possession pct | 42.5 | 57.5 |
| Total shots | 10 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 4 | 3 |
| Shot pct | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Penalty kick goals | 0 | 0 |
| Penalty kick shots | 0 | 0 |
| Accurate passes | 310 | 422 |
| Total passes | 376 | 515 |
| Pass pct | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| Accurate crosses | 2 | 3 |
| Total crosses | 15 | 13 |
| Cross pct | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Total long balls | 51 | 47 |
| Accurate long balls | 27 | 15 |
| Longball pct | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Blocked shots | 2 | 1 |
| Effective tackles | 8 | 6 |
| Total tackles | 15 | 9 |
| Tackle pct | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Interceptions thrown | 14 | 7 |
| Effective clearance | 21 | 21 |
| Total clearance | 21 | 21 |
Venue
- Shell Energy StadiumHouston, Texas
- Attendance20254
- OfficialsFilip Dujic
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