Orlando City SC (2-2-2, 6th in East) vs. Chicago Fire FC (2-0-3, 4th in East)
Chicago Fire FC play Orlando City SC for a lunchtime kickoff at Exploria Stadium. The Fire are one of three remaining unbeaten teams in MLS and have allowed just one goal in five matches. Last week was their third 0-0 draw of the season against FC Dallas despite not having Rafael Czichos (health and safety protocols) and losing Xherdan Shaqiri (calf tightness) after just 19 minutes. Both are listed as questionable as our Fabian Herbers (right hip) and Miguel Navarro (left knee).
The attack is still an area that needs improvement as they have scored just twice in the five matches. Getting Kacper Przybylko the ball and the opportunity to score more goals will help. Brian Gutierrez looked comfortable taking Shaqiri’s spot in the lineup and could deputize yet again.
Orlando City are coming off a 4-2 loss at home to LAFC, last Saturday. It is the first time in nearly three years that the Lions have dropped back-to-back home games. Joao Moutinho did get off the mark with a goal for the Lions who have score seven goals so far–all in open play. The Fire are one of two teams yet to allow a goal on a set piece (Philadelphia).
In other news, the Fire were drawn at home to USL League One side Union Omaha in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round. The match will be at Soldier Field on Tuesday, April 19th at 7pm. Union Omaha made their way to the Third Round by defeating USL League Two side Des Moines Menace, 2-1, in Omaha.
Kickoff for the match is at 12pm CT on Univision in Spanish with English commentary on Twitter.
INJURIES:
ORLANDO CITY SC: OUT: Antonio Carlos (Left Thigh); QUESTIONABLE:Michael Halliday (Left Thigh)
CHICAGO FIRE FC: QUESTIONABLE: Rafael Czichos (health & safety protocols), Fabian Herbers (right hip), Miguel Navarro (left knee), Xherdan Shaqiri (left calf)
Referee: Victor Rivas
Assistant Referees: Jeffrey Swartzel, Matthew Nelson
Fourth Official: Elvis Osmanovic
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
LAST TIME:
3/5/22: CHI 0-0 ORL
