After three shutouts in their past four matches, the Chicago Fire will strive to continue their stout defense when they host Toronto FC on Saturday.
The Fire are 4-1-0 in their past five matches, powered by a defense that has found its form. Chicago hasn’t allowed a goal in its past 195 minutes, picking up clean sheet wins over Nashville SC last Saturday and CF Montreal on Wednesday.
“Another amazing effort from the back line and all the boys up front,” said goalkeeper Chris Brady after the 3-0 result over Montreal. “I think we’re definitely learning from our mistakes in the beginning of the season by not sitting back and conceding as much space, especially when we have a lead.”
Against Montreal, the Fire quickly put the match out of reach with three goals in the opening 33 minutes.
The Fire (7-7-8, 29 points) have moved over the playoff line as their season continues to turn around. The club has posted a 5-4-3 record since Frank Klopas was named interim head coach on May 8.
Toronto FC (3-10-10, 19 points) can only hope for some kind of reversal under interim head coach Terry Dunfield, though the team has yet to score in Dunfield’s three games running the sideline. Toronto has lost five consecutive matches, and is winless (0-5-3) in its past eight.
Toronto FC will be without several regulars due to injury or suspension, but two new faces could be joining the lineup. The Reds acquired Franco Ibarra on loan from Atlanta United earlier this week, and on Thursday, brought in Latif Blessing as part of a trade with the New England Revolution.
“(Blessing) not only brings a winning mentality, but a selfless approach to the game, and we are looking forward to integrating him into our team,” Toronto GM Jason Hernandez said in a news release.
The Fire are 4-1-6 at home this season. Toronto FC are 0-7-4 on the road, and are the only MLS team without an away victory.
In their first meeting of the season, Toronto FC and the Fire played to a 0-0 draw in Toronto on May 31.
–Field Level Media
