D.C. United versus Chicago Fire
Sunday 1pm EST, Audi Field, ESPN
By the time the two sides kick off at Audi Field on Sunday the implications of the match will be clear. If the Montreal Impact fail to secure the full three points on Saturday against the Columbus Crew it will open up the chance that United can overtake them for the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Falling short of a win against Chicago wouldn’t be the end of the world for D.C. but it would certainly complicate their playoff aspirations. While they still will have two games in hand over their Canadian counterparts their final matches include home dates against NYCFC, FC Dallas, and Toronto FC and a road match against this same Fire side. So while this match is certainly not a ‘must-win’ it is an ‘ideal’ win.
As for Chicago while they were eliminated from playoff competition last month they are certainly not giving up on the season. They have earned points in four of their past five league matches (2-1-2, 8 points) after having lost eight matches in a row. Normally clubs that go from a playoff side to a team on the outs can point to injuries or organizational mismanagement as the reason for their decline. Chicago have had both with multiple starters from last season missing time and a front office that seems more interested in banning supporters than replacing them.
The club’s recent run of strong form can be directly traced to the improved form in the midfielder. With midfielders Djordje Mihalovic and Michael de Leeuw both back from injury the Fire have found their rhythm in the midfield, which in turn has led to better possession and better results. It will be an interesting test for a United side that like send multiple midfielders forward how they handle the counter-attack. Look for Russell Canouse to play a key role in disrupting Chicago’s attacking chances.
Of course the big question is who can stop Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta. While it is Rooney that has gained the mainstream plaudits, Acosta should get some credit as well.One of United’s biggest problems early in the season was that teams could double up on Acosta as United didn’t really have a second option at forward. That has changed with Rooney, who has scored seven goals in his short time with D.C. With Johan Kappelhof likely paired up with the speedy Acosta that leaves either Dax McCarty or Bastian Schweinsteiger taking on Rooney.
D.C. enters this match needing points while Chicago enters this match playing for pride and job security. That might sound like it gives D.C. the advantage but remember this is not the D.C. United of old. Last season the club made a quixotic run at the tail end of the season only to fall short at home as well. It is up to Olsen and the side to show that this team can continue to take care of business.
Chicago Fire
DC United
