Chicago Fire and Chicago Bulls swap jerseys

After failing to make the playoffs in any of the past six seasons, underachieving MLS side Chicago Fire are looking to change their luck in 2024.

They were active in the off-season, bringing in MLS Cup winner Kellyn Acosta and breaking the club’s transfer record to bring in Hugo Cuypers from Blegian side Gent. And in a bid to get some luck from their Chicago compatriots, a few of the Fire squad headed to United Center to see their NBA counter-parts in action.

The Chicago Bulls hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, the home side running out 132-123 winners over their Eastern Conference rivals. Cuypers, Acosta, Maren Haile-Selassie and Allan Arigoni spent some time with the Bulls ahead of tip-off.

Acosta said: “We had the opportunity to meet a few player, step on the court. We just appreciate the hospitality that the Bulls have shown us.”

“Any time you get to step on the court it’s pretty special, right? And then obviously to have the jersey exchange is pretty cool.”

Kellyn Acosta ready to represent as Chicago’s new 23

The number ‘23′ holds a special place in the hearts of Chicago Sports fans. It was that number that Michael Jordan wore for (most of) his legendary career with the Bulls in the 1990s, a spell that contributed every one of the team’s six NBA championships.

It’s also the number that recent signing Kellyn Acosta wore for previous club LAFC and the USMNT midfielder has reclaimed the jersey in Chicago. So how does he feel about wearing the famous number in Chicago?

Acosta explained: “Just for myself, I wear the No. 23 in Chicago. It’s a jersey that holds a lot of weight and yeah I’m excited to rep it, excited to wear it and hopefully to showcase it well.”

The Fire will hope that their mid-week trip to United Center can kick-start their MLS campaign. Chicago secured an impressive 2-2 draw away at Philadelphia United on the opening weekend, but were left frustrated after conceding an injury time leveller to Daniel Gazdag.

The fixtures don’t get any easier in the upcoming weeks, Chicago’s next two MLS fixtures are Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati and MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew.

Speaking after the opening day draw, head coach Frank Klopas said that he was impressed with the team’s performance and optimistic about their chances against Cincinnati.

Klopas said: “Difficult place to play, but I’m proud of our guys. I think they came out. We got a point to start the season in a positive way, and now we just have to, you know, have a safe trip back, regroup and get ready for our home opener.”