Since the start of August, the Chicago Fire have been flying. In league play, they’ve gone 3–0–1, while also going 3–1–0 in Leagues Cup play. They are, however, coming off their first loss in a month, a hard-fought 2–1 loss to CF Monterrey.
To get a better sense of the Sounders’ opponent, we reached out to Alex Calabrese of the independent website Men in Red 97.
Recent form
Very good for the last month (six wins in a row and a draw at RBNY with a heavily rotated lineup). Poor performance against Monterrey, which resulted in elimination from Leagues Cup. Overall getting production from most players, even if Lewandowski isn't performing in front of goal.
Key players
Puso Dithejane, whether he starts or comes off the bench, he’s been the story of the last few weeks. South African winger who has 4 goals since the World Cup, including one against Miami and two against Cruz Azul. Very dynamic and direct pressing winger who is expecting a first-ever national team call-up soon.
Djé D'Avilla has also been in excellent form since he’s been able to play as a lone No. 6. Top talent who isn’t super tidy to the naked eye but is in reality proving himself to be one of the better 6s in the league and is only 23. Has recently stepped up in a big way and allowed the other midfielders to excel in front of him.
Robert Lewandowski is the big talking point because of his name. Has done a lot of good things so far, clearly has that world-class quality, but hasn’t been efficient in front of goal so far. Needs more service and balls into the box generally. 4 goals from 3.92 xG is nothing special from 10 games, but it is still early.
One thing opposing fans should know
This is by far the best and most complete version of the Fire in two decades. Under Gregg Berhalter it is a transformed team and organization from top to bottom, so it is something dramatically different to what Sounders fans would have seen from the Fire's last trip there in 2024.
Another thing is the depth off the bench is something to keep an eye on; the Fire have starting-caliber depth in several positions and are still adding players before the window closes next week. Established MLS players like Robin Lod, Maren Haile-Selassie, and Jonathan Dean coming off the bench is a luxury the Fire have not had before and makes them a true contender for MLS Cup this year.
Notable injuries
Franco (ACL, out until ~September), Mbokazi (Thigh, out until ~November), Mueller (out)
Project lineup
4-3-3 – Brady; Gutman, Elliott, Waterman, Barroso; Poreba, D'Avilla, Salétros; Bamba, Lewandowski, Zinckernagel
