United continue their homestand this Sunday as the Chicago Fire make their first visit to Audi Field. While the Black-and-Red are coming off of a dominant 5-0 win over Montreal, they're not satisfied yet—United need a strong October to complete their push to the postseason. Here's what to know about this weekend's opposition.
Recent Matches
Chicago are 2-1-2 in their last five matches, with wins against Orlando City in Week 29 and LAFC in Week 31. They were shutout in their 2-0 loss to New York City FC, but have scored a total of ten goals in their other four matches, including a strong 3-1 upset win over newcomers LAFC. The Fire currently sit at 31 points on the season and have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Players to Watch
While the Fire have struggled this season, they have some dangerous attacking pieces. Nemanja Nikolic has scored four goals in Chicago’s last five games and Aleksandar Katai has scored three. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Dax McCarty are also strong in the midfield, making the Fire's front line more solid than their record suggests. However, their defense has been spotty. They have three shutouts in 30 games played, and have struggled to find consistency throughout the season.
Head-to-Head
This will be D.C. United’s first time facing Chicago this year. Of the five remaining games this regular season, two will be played against the Fire. While D.C. host Chicago on October 7, they will finish the regular season on the road at Toyota Park on October 28. The Fire are the only side D.C. face more than once before the conclusion of the season.
Playoff Implications
Chicago are the only team eliminated from playoff contention that D.C. United will face during the remainder of the regular season. With six points on the line in their two upcoming matches against the Fire, it will be important for United to pick up as many points as possible in their meetings with Chicago. Should the Black-and-Red win this weekend and Montreal lose, United would climb to to the sixth-place spot in the Eastern Conference, putting them above the playoff line.
