MATCH INFO |
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|---|---|
<strong>Matchup</strong> |
Chicago Fire (15-10-7, 52 pts.) vs. Philadelphia Union (10-13-9, 39 pts.) |
<strong>Date</strong> |
Sunday, Oct. 15 • 4 p.m. CT |
<strong>Location</strong> |
Bridgeview, Ill. • Toyota Park |
<strong>TV</strong> |
NBC Sports Chicago Plus (Pregame: 3:30 p.m. CT) |
<strong>Spanish Radio</strong> |
<a href="http://stream.uvneng.com/wrtoam-cf"><strong>Univision América 1200 (WRTO)</strong></a> |
<strong>Matchday Guide</strong> |
<strong><a href="https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2017/10/13/matchday-guide-chivphi-sunday-october-15">Click Here</a></strong> |
The Chicago Fire have reached the conclusion of their 2017 regular season home schedule, as the Philadelphia Union are set to visit Toyota Park on Sunday afternoon (4 p.m. CT, NBC Sports Chicago Plus). These sides just recently met on Sept. 23 in Philadelphia, a match that went 3-1 to the hosts. With the Union now formally out of postseason contention, they'll look to play spoiler against a Fire side looking to secure a first-round bye in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs at best, or at minimum lock up a home match in the Eastern Conference knockout round. Ahead of Sunday's kickoff, here are a few key facts, faces and figures to keep in mind:
Key number: 1
As the regular season draws to a close, the Union will look back on a tough 2017 on the road as a contributing factor to their postseason exclusion. Head coach Jim Curtin's side have won just once away from Talen Energy Stadium this season, amassing a road record of 1-9-6. Their lone victory came in a 4-0 victory at D.C. United back on May 13. Additionally, Fire forward Nemanja Nikolic remains one goal clear of the rest of the pack atop the MLS Golden Boot standings. His 21 goals on the season give him a narrow edge over both Portland's Diego Valeri and NYCFC's David Villa, both on 20 with two matches remaining.
Matchup to watch: Fire fullbacks vs. Union wide players
While Sunday's matchup brings different stakes and potentially different lineups compared to the meeting in Philadelphia in late September, the Fire will certainly have noticed how dangerous the Union were when playing wide in their 3-1 defeat. The Union put in 23 crosses that day, and racked up eight key passes (those leading to a shot) and two assists from wide areas, which led to near-post redirect goals by Chris Pontius and C.J. Sapong, respectively. It'll be up to fullbacks Matt Polster and Brandon Vincent to help limit the effectiveness of Union playmakers like Fabinho and Fafa Picault out wide and prevent them from connecting with Philly's target men.
One Big Question: How will the Fire's injured contingent factor into Sunday's lineup?
Entering the weekend, questions remain about the respective statuses of injured midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Juninho. Having lost Michael de Leeuw for the remainder of the season in addition, the Fire depth will again face an opportunity to step up on Sunday. Against NYCFC on Sept. 30, it was Arturo Alvarez and Djordje Mihailovic stepping into the starting XI and helping preserve a 1-1 home draw. Those two should factor into head coach Veljko Paunovic's midfield plans this weekend, as could Drew Conner.
International Intrigue
In addition to the Union playmakers mentioned above, Philly also features a talented trio of players who all have been recent regulars for their respective national teams. Alejandro Bedoya (USA) keys the Union's engine room, fellow midfielder Haris Medunjanin (Bosnia and Herzegovina) leads the club with 10 assists, and goalkeeper Andre Blake (Jamaica) remains in fine form after earning 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
Sizing Up The Series
The all-time series between Chicago and Philadelphia is now knotted up at 7 wins, 7 losses and 5 draws on each side, with the Fire owning a 5-2-3 record in games played at Toyota Park. Philadelphia has not won in Bridgeview since May 11, 2013.
Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic concluded his playing career as a member of the Union. In 2011, Paunovic scored three goals and added three assists in 17 appearances. Union head coach Jim Curtin was a member of the Fire for the first seven seasons of his professional career. Curtin appeared in 151 regular season matches for the Men in Red and won the 2003 and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships. Union assistant coach Mike Sorber scored three goals and tallied three assists in 19 regular season appearances for the Men in Red in 2000.
Quote of the Week:
Dax knows best. Hear his thoughts on Sunday's matchup in the video above.
Valspar Matchday Primer:
