Christopher Cupps: Chicago Fire Homegrown Talent Makes History In Convincing Fashion
Written by Patrick Echatah
Chicago Fire FC’s Christopher Cupps had a debut to remember, marking his first start with a historic clean sheet.
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The 10-man Fire managed to salvage a 0-0 tie with Orlando City SC at Soldier Field on Saturday night, and the homegrown defender made club history by becoming the youngest starting (16 years, 342 days).
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Following Matchday 10’s humiliating 7-2 loss at Nashville SC, head coach Gregg Berhalter gave Cupps the nod, and he more than lived up to the expectations.
Despite goalkeeper Chris Brady’s red card for a DOGSO on Duncan McGuire in the 36th minute, Chicago Fire managed to keep the Lions off the goals thanks to the US youth international’s partnership with seasoned backline mate Jack Elliott.
“How many questions so far? Four questions from you guys, and we haven’t talked about Chris Cupps starting at center back at 16 years old? I mean, come on,” Berhalter chided reporters after the homegrown’s performance went unmentioned four-plus minutes into his post-match press conference.
“What are you guys doing? That has to be the first question! How many center backs start at 16 years old and get a shutout down a man?”
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Cupps and backup goalkeeper Jeffrey Gal, who preserved a clean sheet in his MLS debut, helped the Fire limit Orlando to just two efforts on goal despite their numerical disadvantage for the majority of the game.
“We gotta talk about him [Cupps], we have to talk about his performance and his bravery,” Berhalter said. “Think about a young player coming in after losing 7-2 and the pressure on him to perform.
“And the way he performed today was not perfect, but in my mind it was outstanding. It was a great starting debut in front of the home fans.”
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