The Chicago Fire will have one final chance to play in front of their home fans on Friday night when they face the Houston Dynamo. It is the definition of a dead rubber on Matchday 34; both sides have disappointed this season and are eliminated from playoff contention. Chicago will look to improve on their dismal points return of 33 but know that no matter the result, they can't catch Houston for 8th place in the Eastern Conference. The Dynamo are in 8th on 39 points.

Friday night's match will be all about taking positives into the offseason. Both sides have dealt with serious injury issues to key players all season, and face some uncertainty going into the offseason. This will be the last match on the sideline for Houston manager Dominic Kinnear; the Glaswegian will be returning to San Jose for his second stint in the city but first with the new-look Earthquakes. 

He will have a chance to restart there as they open their new soccer-specific stadium. For Houston, they will be looking to bring in cheap talent to fill out this roster that is only two years removed from a place in the MLS Cup Final. With no Designated Player slots open, cheap talent is all they will be able to afford.

For Chicago, this match represents one last shot for young Harry Shipp to prove to Jurgen Klinsmann that he should be called into January camp. The Rookie of the Year candidate has been Chicago's most consistent offensive threat this year, and they must make sure he does not leave. Chicago should improve next year solely by getting a healthy Mike Magee back again, but with two Designated Player slots open look for at least one expensive, shiny new signing to ply their trade in front of Section 8 next season.

In terms of this match, expect some players to come out and play with pride and others to play at half speed, making sure they stay healthy for their upcoming holidays. Hopefully, it will prove an entertaining spectacle as both sides look to enjoy their last competitive match until March. But, knowing Chicago, it will probably be another draw.

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About the author
Liam McMahon
American sports journalist based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin who has been affiliated with VAVEL for more than a year. Co-editor of the soccer section at VAVEL USA and international football writer at VAVEL UK.