It has been a good two weeks for the Chicago Fire in both MLS and the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. First, they beat rivals Columbus Crew 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Then in the next game, they defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 thanks to a goal by John Goossens, his first for the club. Now with two-straight wins, things are looking up for the club in the MLS table and in their cup adventures. They are also getting healthier as well.
According to head coach Veljko Paunovic three Fire players, including star midfielder Matt Polster, are back training with the team. They are expected to be available for their game against Toronto FC, who are dealing with injuries of their own.
Toronto looking for stability
Unlike the Fire, things have not gone Toronto's way. In their last two games, they have not been able to walk away with three points in either of the matches. They lost 3-2 to Orlando City SC and have drawn with the Seattle Sounders in their last two games.
In terms of injuries, Toronto won't have U.S. international and captain Michael Bradley in the lineup and that will leave a big hole in the middle of the park. Bradley isn't the only U.S. international on TFC that will miss this match. Striker Jozy Altidore will also be out as well.
But Toronto FC does have one thing in their favor. The fact that they have Sebastian Giovinco on their team. Giovinco has continued to be a terror for defenses this season, scoring eight goals and grabbing six assists for his club. But he has been on a goal drought and hasn't scored since May 14th against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Yet even with the scoring drought, he is certainly capable of pulling off an amazing performance against the Fire.
Chicago's backline has played well in recent games and will try to make life hard for Giovinco. But this will no doubt be a challenge for them. This game will be a big indicator to see how Chicago has progressed in terms of defense.
New striker debut for the Fire?
Now that the transfer window is open, Chicago will now be able to unveil their new striker signing on the pitch. The Fire recently signed striker Michael De Leeuw from Dutch club FC Groningen but he wasn't eligible to play until the transfer window opens. Now that the window is open, the striker is expected to ready for Saturday's fixture.
With Gilberto now gone from Chicago, De Leeuw is now the man in the Windy City. He has experience playing in a good European League and has played in the likes of the Europa League. But we have to see how he does on the pitch and Chicago will certainly need production from him. The key connection will be with winger David Accam and fellow striker Kennedy Igboananike. If all three can catch fire, Chicago will have some options going forward.