Preview: Fire vs. FC Cincinnati

Chicago Fire FC (2-4-4, 14th in East) vs. FC Cincinnati (5-5-1, 5th in East)

Chicago Fire FC find themselves in an all-too familiar position for themselves and their faithful–bottom of the Eastern Conference. Currently mired in a seven-match winless streak in all competitions, the Fire need to find some sort of spark to climb off the foot of the table. Kacper Przybylko remains out with a back injury while Jairo Torres is still a question mark with a left hip issue.

Chris Mueller made his Fire debut in the 4-1 loss to Atlanta and was a bright spot. Rafael Czichos will return from suspension, but Miguel Navarro takes that spot after yellow card accumulation. Gaston Gimenez has been upgraded to questionable while the back four needs to be less suspect that they were against Atlanta.

FC Cincinnati are currently on a three-match winning streak–their longest since joining MLS. Luciano Acosta has found a home in The Queen City as has been involved in a goal in each of the last four matches (three goals, one assist). However, they will be coming off a US Open Cup thrashing at the hands of New England Revolution on Tuesday night.

Both of FC Cincinnati’s wins against the Fire have come away from home–in 2019 at SeatGeek Stadium and in 2021 at Soldier Field. The Fire, meanwhile, won 4-3 at TQL Stadium last October.

The Fire have the fourth-youngest squad in MLS and there have been some growing pains so far. It would be reasonable if it weren’t for the better part of the previous 12 seasons. There needs to be some thinking outside of the proverbial box to get the best out of the Fire and start a move in the right direction. Otherwise, the Fire will continue to look like one of the worst in MLS going nowhere.

Kickoff for the match is at 7pm CT on WGN-TV.

INJURIES:

Referee: Tori Penso
Assistant Referees: Kevin Klinger, Brooke Mayo
Fourth Official: Calin Radosav
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez

LAST YEAR:

06/23/21:  CHI 0-1 CIN

10/20/21:  CIN 3-4 CHI