The Chicago Fire are above the playoff line for the first time since March, and will now take their talents to the first place Philadelphia Union this Saturday.
Ezra Hendrickon’s crew are coming off a thrilling 3-2 win at Charlotte FC last weekend, and are looking to make it a clean sweep of Philly after beating Jim Curtin’s side 1-0 six weeks ago.
Here’s what to look for in the Gerber Collision and Glass Scouting Report…
LAST TIME OUT
These two teams last saw each other on June 29 when the Fire were in last in the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia were (still) sitting atop the table.
The Fire executed a comprehensive game plan, dominated possession, and found a goal through Federico Navarro in the 68th minute. Jose Martinez received a red card in the 72nd minute, and the Fire saw out a clean sheet and three points against a Union team that - at the time - were riding a nine-match unbeaten streak.
Fast forward a month and a half later, and Chicago are amidst a five-match unbeaten streak of their own, and have moved up to seventh place.
DE-FENSE
Philadelphia has some good attacking pieces such as Daniel Gazdag, Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza, but the Union’s biggest asset is their defense and goalkeeping.
Curtin’s group are BY FAR the best defensive team in the league, as they have only conceded 18 goals in 24 games played. They can also go forward, and are one of the most balanced teams in MLS with a +23 goal difference (second only to LAFC with 24).
MLS All-Star Jakob Glesnes and Jack Elliot anchor the backline and have a tremendous understanding of one another and how to cover the space in front and behind them. They are obviously protected by one of the most ruthless defensive midfielders in the league in Jose Martinez, and another All-Star behind them in goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Kai Wagner and Nathan Harriel are the two fullbacks, and - while Wagner is more known for his attacking prowess/delivery - Harriel is a flat-out gamer and is very difficult to get by.
Yes, the backline is responsible for defending and will get most of the credit for their gaudy goals allowed record, but this entire group - from Blake to Uhre and Carranza up top - are disciplined and well-drilled by Curtin, who of course was a very strong defender himself. Most of those good years being played in Chicago with the Fire from 2001-08.
STAY LOCKED IN
One of the toughest things to do against thid Philadelphia team is stay locked in for 90 minutes on both sides of the ball. The Union have a tendency to sit a little deeper and try to hit you on the counter when you’re exposed having thrown numbers forward.
Carranza and Uhre both have pace and can stretch backlines, especially when there is minimal cover from fullbacks who are trying to break down a stingy low block.
Federico Navarro and whoever the center backs will be will have to be in constant communication when the Fire are in possession to make sure there is the right balance.
Additionally, you have to take care of the ball. It might take two dozen passes to break through this Philly defense and if you give the ball away in the middle of the park they will punish you the other way. Being patient and meticulous with the ball are key to getting something out of this game.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This Fire team is cooking with some serious gas right now, and will put this five-match unbeaten streak to the test against one of the best teams in the league on their own patch.
Philly will certainly feel like they owe the Fire one after dropping all three points six weeks ago at Soldier Field. Plus, they will be fresh compared the last outing, when it was a midweek game in which Curtin went with the same eleven that he went with in the team’s match over the weekend.
This is going to be a difficult test for Chicago, but any sort of result coming back to Chicago for a date with second place NYCFC would be massive.
The belief is very strong in this group right now, and they feel like they can beat anyone, anywhere. As I’ve said before, Ezra’s boys love the big time games against quality opponents, as we’ve seen this season so far. It doesn’t get much bigger than on the road against the first place team in the conference.
Tony and I will have the call from Subaru Park on WGN and CF97 Live. VAMOS!
