Both the Chicago Fire and Orlando City will be heading into this game looking to avenge defeats in their last fixtures. For Chicago, it was another loss in the semi-final in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Another semi-final loss for Chicago
Just like last year, the Fire, who are one of the more successful U.S. Open Cup teams, were bounced right before the final once again. This time, it was a 3-1 loss to the New England Revolution who were simply much better than the Fire on that night. David Accam was able to level things in the first half at 1-1 but quickly after the Revs took the lead again and controlled the game from then on. After another disappointing season in MLS play, the U.S. Open Cup was the only thing the Fire could hang their hat on. Now that dream is dead as well.
Now the Fire have to focus on not finishing the bottom of the MLS table once again. Right now Chicago is one point behind the Columbus Crew for 9th place and five points behind D.C. United for 8th. While Chicago has games in hand over a lot of teams in front of them, they have to be realistic in their table climbing goals. Yes, they can go on a great run of form to end the season and finish mid-table but with this Chicago team, it looks unlikely. The goal should be avoiding the bottom, even if that means finishing 9th.
Just like against New England, the Fire will have to rely on the speed of winger David Accam to make things click on offense. There aren't many players in space that are more dangerous than Accam. With his pace and his ability to make defenders miss, he is a threat any time he touches the ball. The Fire gave him a big helping hand when they added Dutch striker Michael De Leeuw last month and the two are looking to form some good chemistry heading into next season.
Orlando trying to get back into the playoff race
It's now or never for Orlando City. After their 3-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders, Orlando now sits 7th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are level on points with the Revs on points at 26 but have a game in hand. Even with that game in hand, they have work to do with them being five points from the 5th spot and seven points away from the 4th spot. The win against the Revs on July 31st was huge because it kept them in the playoff race and gave Orlando City a chance to sneak in as the 6th seed.
Orlando City will be without midfielder Antonio Nocerino as he was suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for "violent conduct which endangered the safety of an opponent" after he kicked the ball at the head of Seattle Sounders forward, Clint Dempsey, after the whistle had been blown. Orlando City will miss his midfield presence as they try to handle the likes of Razvan Cocis running through the middle of the park. If Orlando can handle Cocis then their job of beating Chicago got a lot easier.
A win is huge for both teams with Orlando trying to grab that last playoff spot while Chicago is just trying to get out of the bottom of the table.