Prediction: Chicago win
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The Euros and Copa America have officially come to an end and in its place, major European leagues across the continent are set to get underway shortly. However, there are a couple of noteworthy top tiers that are already deep into their campaign already including Major League Soccer. All clubs are pushing for a place in the playoffs and today, we ll be previewing a game that could be seen as last chance saloon for the struggling Chicago Fire and Toronto FC.
Chicago Fire
In the eyes of many, Chicago Fire is best known for being a TV show as opposed to a football club which goes to show you just how far they ve fallen over the course of the last few decades. They need something that s going to inject some fire back into the franchise because right now, all they re doing is competing for the wooden spoon. They need to start thinking differently, which they ve proven they are capable of doing as recently as just a few days ago.
Team News
Calvo has been called up to the Costa Rica squad for the ongoing Gold Cup with the only other absences being Kronholm and Teran, both of whom are out through injury.
Toronto FC
Toronto can rightly claim to be one of the best exports from Canada into Major League Soccer with title wins as recently as 2016 and 2019. They seem to have taken their foot off of the gas a little bit in recent years but based on their current trajectory, a title push next year after a year of rest and evaluation should be on the cards. They ve got a talented squad and with a few more pieces of the puzzle, they should be able to rise back towards the top in the East.
Team News
Akinola is currently injured with Auro and Westerberg both fitness doubts heading into this game. Elsewhere, Toronto have some Gold Cup-related absences to deal with as Osorio and Lareya are with Canada, Lawrence makes up part of the Jamaica squad and Zavaleta has been called up by El Salvador.
Factors to Consider
Chicago and Toronto sit 12th and 13th respectively in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
Toronto have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
Chicago have scored 12 goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
Toronto have scored nine goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
Conclusion
Home-field advantage can be a really great thing when partnered together with the right kind of crowd and with Chicago not being afraid to open the game up, we truly think this could serve as a great opportunity for them to make a statement. Of course, the statistics would lead many to believe it ll be an absolute goalfest, but we tend to believe it ll be quite an ugly affair with the Fire just about scraping through courtesy of a 1-0 win.
Prediction: Chicago win
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