Sam Rogers found himself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight during his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut as a center back for the Chicago Fire against D.C. United. An injury to Carlos Terán right before the match forced Rogers, 25, into action at Soldier Field at the beginning of March 2025, a pressure-packed situation for any player making their first appearance.
Rogers’ debut was a mixture of highs and lows. He conceded a late penalty after a handball in the penalty area, but fortune smiled upon him when Christian Benteke, D.C. United’s star striker, missed the penalty kick by sending it soaring into the stands. This moment allowed the Fire to escape with a draw, thanks in part to a dramatic bicycle-kick goal from Jacob Murrell in the match’s dying moments.
Reflecting on his performance, Rogers conveyed a mix of disappointment and determination. “I was disappointed with the performance from a personal standpoint, obviously, we were disappointed with the draw after almost having the three points,” he told On Tap Sports Net. “The opportunity was great to come in, it was unexpected, but I was just disappointed with how the game went.” Despite his concerns, Rogers viewed the experience positively, recognizing it as a crucial stepping stone in his career.
After joining the Fire in the offseason from a team in Scandinavia, he was eager to put on a good show. “Finally making that debut is pretty special and it’s definitely something I'll remember,” Rogers added. He is now looking to learn from that initial outing and build on it moving forward.
Armed with the knowledge that he could indeed compete at the MLS level, Rogers aimed to minimize his mistakes in the upcoming matches as he prepared to make his fourth straight start against the Vancouver Whitecaps. His confidence reflected a belief that, despite the rough start, he possessed what was necessary to rise through the ranks in competitive soccer. “I know after that, I can play at this level. I know I can do it. So if I can fix those stupid errors and play my game confidently, I know I can perform in this league and help the team,” he explained.
The Chicago Fire will face the Whitecaps on March 22, 2025, as they aim to continue their momentum after pulling off back-to-back comeback victories. Rogers noted, “We’re looking for that first clean sheet but when you can come from behind three straight games and get points, I think it just shows the resilience that we have.” The first match of the season may not have provided a clean sheet, but the team’s spirit remains strong heading into Vancouver.
Rogers’ journey is mirrored by Jack Elliott, another offseason addition to the team, who has been solid in defense alongside Rogers. They have developed a camaraderie both on and off the pitch. “Jack's a great player. I admired him watching from afar from his time in Philly,” Rogers said of Elliott. “He's a great teammate, a good leader.” Their developing partnership is pivotal to the Fire’s ambitions this season.
Back to the exciting moment of Rogers’ debut, it was particularly special because it marked the first time his family had seen him play in person in over three years. Rogers’ mother attended the match, a monumental moment for both mother and son. Furthermore, he expressed excitement about returning to Vancouver, as he has fond memories of visiting British Columbia during his childhood.
As the Fire prepare for their next match, Rogers continues to embrace the lessons learned from his debut and vows to keep improving. “Also, it wasn’t my best game,” he acknowledged. “But I know I can play at this level. I’ll be ready for whatever comes next.” With that drive, Rogers aims to show that he can live up to the expectations of being a starting center back in the MLS.
For fans looking to catch the Fire in action, the upcoming match against the Vancouver Whitecaps will take place at BC Place on March 22, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT. The match will also be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+. Follow @soccer_ontap on X for more updates on the Chicago Fire’s season and Rogers’ journey.
