Riding a four-match winning streak and high on confidence, the Chicago Fire have provided a lot of answers about what 2017 would hold for Veljko Paunovic and his new-look side. But with success comes a new a set of questions as the club heads into the pivotal month of June — check out a few of them below:
4. Are the Fire prepared to fill the Dax-sized hole in midfield?
Everyone in and around the Chicago Fire is thrilled to see the club represented within the U.S. National Team, and to see Dax McCarty justly rewarded for his stellar performance in his time with the Men In Red (and prior). Still, his call-up to Bruce Arena's World Cup qualifying camp creates questions for Veljko Paunovic that are faced by many MLS managers as they carry on without international-caliber players, as Pauno will in MLS games at Orlando City and home to Atlanta United. Fortunately, Pauno can rest easy knowing he can plug in the likes of Juninho -- on his way back to full fitness following a lingering ankle injury -- and, if necessary, Matt Polster to pair with Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield.
3. Can the Fire feast on the East after besting the West?
Four of Chicago’s five matches during its ultra-successful month of May came against Western Conference sides (with three wins). Every match matters, but Chicago now turns its focus to four straight outings vs. Eastern Conference foes, all with the potential to provide veritable six-point swings in the standings. With two of the four coming against an Orlando City SC side currently residing just below Chicago on 20 points, the Fire have a prime opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the pack throughout June. (UPCOMING WATCH PARTIES AT HEINEKEN PUB97)
2. What does the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup hold for Chicago in 2017?
Five wins is all it takes for an MLS side to raise a coveted trophy and secure a bid to the CONCACAF Champions League. Of course, despite four straight runs to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, wins No. 4 and No. 5 have proven elusive for the Chicago Fire, who are eager to add to their haul of four U.S. Open Cup championship trophies. With the Fire entering the tournament June 14 on the road to Saint Louis FC and a potential Round of 16 match slated for June 28, it will be fun to see Chicago’s "new" veteran leaders and wealth of young talent try their hand in the historic one-and-done competition.
1. How long can the Fire maintain their home form?
The Men In Red have claimed 19 of a possible 21 points from their seven home outings in 2017, with their six home victories equaling Houston’s for most in the league thus far. The Fire have now recorded only one home loss in the last 13 months -- though too many of their 2016 outcomes reflected draws rather than wins -- and will put their home record on the line against dynamic Atlanta United FC and Orlando City SC sides in June (followed by Vancouver on July 1). Fortunately, the Fire’s attacking style at Toyota Park (two or more goals in six of their seven home games this year) has begun to translate to road contests, where Chicago will need to reliably pick up points in order to maintain their current standing.
