TFC (12-8-7) had gone seven games unbeaten before the calamity that befell BMO Field on August 27. Not only did the 1-0 result move the Montreal Impact to within six points behind their Canadian rivals with a game in hand, talisman Sebastian Giovinco went down with a quad injury. An adductor strain will keep him out until next week at the earliest.
While Jay Chapman is also still sidelined with an MCL tear picked up in August, there is brighter news for Greg Vanney who may be able to reinstate Clint Irwin in goal. Irwin played 90 minutes for TFCII last weekend as he continued his comeback from two months out.
The Fire (6-12-8) have enjoyed something of a mini resurgence of late, taking eight points from their last five games to leave them sitting just above the Columbus Crew at the root of the table. Most recently, they pasted fourth placed Philadelphia Union 3-0, with forward Michael de Leeuw leading the offence breakout. Less comforting to Chicago coach Veljko Paunovic, however, is the six goals his side shipped to DC United the week before. Surprisingly there are six teams with worse defensive records in the league.
Saturday’s game is the second of three games between the sides this season. Back in July, Justin Morrow scored the only goal of the game in Toronto to give his side the three points. Last season, TFC were on the wrong end of a 3-2 score line in Chicago.
The Reds have only one more road game once they return from Chicago for a four-game home stand. They will welcome the Fire to BMO for the final regular season game.
Projected Line-ups
Chicago: S.Johnson, J.Meira, J.Kappelhof, J.Campbell, B.Vincent, R.Cocis M.Polster, J.Goossens, L.Solignac, A.Alvarez, M.de Leeuw
Toronto FC: C.Irwin, S.Beitashour, E.Zavaleta, D.Moor, J.Morrow, M.Bradley, M.Delgado, J.Osorio, T.Endoh, J.Altidore, T.Ricketts
Referee: Marcos Deoliveira
Broadcast: SN360