It's no secret that D.C. United are in the midst of a close fight for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. On Sunday, they will face a Chicago Fire side that has been one of the bottom teams in the East throughout the season and has been eliminated from the playoffs, but is coming off an upset win over LAFC and is continuing to play for pride. Following United's 5-0 win over Montreal on Saturday, it would be easy for the Black-and-Red to underestimate Chicago as an opponent, but they understand the threat that the Fire pose and are preparing accordingly.
“I think we’re professional enough to understand that every team in the East is playing at a high level at the moment,” Head Coach Ben Olsen said at training. “A lot of guys have been through this league and know that the parity is real. On any given day, these guys can show up and have a good performance.”
Chicago have struggled this season, but have two wins and two draws in their last five matches, including a 3-1 over LAFC last weekend. D.C. United face Chicago twice in their remaining five games of the season, adding to the importance of walking away with points this Sunday. And while Chicago may be out of the playoff race, they still have a clear hunger to win.
“Take them seriously," goalkeeper Bill Hamid said of United's approach to their next opponent. "Have the right mentality throughout the week. They have some very good players and a lot of players that may or may not be fighting for their jobs for next year. Obviously, the goal for every MLS team is to make the playoffs, so they’re going to be hungry and I think it’s going to be important that we kill off their confidence as quickly as possible.”
The Fire's confidence received a boost following their win over LAFC, and their roster boasts playmakers who will enter Audi Field looking to spoil the party of United's home-field advantage. Chicago Homegrown Djordie Mihailovic picked up an MLS Goal of the Week nomination following their win, while dangerous forward Nikolic Nemanja and midfielder Aleksander Katai also got on the board. Add in seasoned veterans Bastian Schweinsteiger and Dax McCarty, and, regardless of their record, the Fire are not to be taken lightly.
“They’re a dangerous team," defender Steven Birnbaum said. "Their front four are really good and obviously, their backs can spread the ball and their midfielders are strong. It’s a dangerous game and we’re excited to play. I think all the guys know how big of a game it is. Like I said, we have to put Montreal in the past and look at Chicago. They’re our threat right now holding us back from the playoffs, and we play them twice. So it’s a big game for us, especially at home.”
Chicago, with nothing to lose, will strive take United by surprise, just as they did with LAFC. It's up to the Black-and-Red to look past the Fire's record and spot in the Eastern Conference, and instead continue to play as if they are on the verge of postseason elimination.
