With the Fire set to resume play after the international break and the Red Stars and House AC playing under the Friday Night Lights, it’s time to review, preview, and offer our point of view on things.
FIRE: The Fire enter their match against Sporting Kansas City seven points adrift of the red line in the Eastern Conference, but on the back of their first road win in nearly two years. If the Fire are going to move the needle forward, they will have to get a hefty return in their three remaining road matches of this road trip. Two weeks ago was a step forward, a point at Children’s Mercy Park may be a step forward, but the Fire can ill-afford to take another step backward to offset the step forward. Otherwise, it will look like the Fire are really going nowhere.
RED STARS: Despite 18 shots and five on target, the Red Stars drew a 0 on the scoreboard. On the plus side, There was also a zero in shots on target for Gotham FC and a zero on their side of the scoreboard. It leaves the Red Stars three points clear of seventh place in the NWSL as they travel to eighth-place Houston. The Dash are coming off a 1-1 draw in Orlando on Sunday. Just three points separate Orlando in fourth to the Dash in eighth with the Red Stars, Washington, and Gotham FC in between.
The goal for the Red Stars is to consolidate their playoff place with six matches left. A result here will be very vital towards that end. Otherwise, the log jam for playoff places may get even tighter.
HOUSE AC: Chicago House AC and the Michigan Stars played to a goalless draw in Michigan on Saturday. The result keeps House AC at the bottom of the Fall Season table, but still just three points from fourth-place New Amsterdam FC.
House AC travel to Cal United Strikers on Sunday at 6pm CT.
THOUGHTS ON THE USMNT: While there is more talent on the pitch for the USA in World Cup Qualifying this cycle, they are not matching the intensity their opponents have had so far. Their first two opponents, El Salvador and Canada, had not been to a World Cup since Ronald Reagan was President. Yet, El Salvador managed to find their footing after the USA missed some early chances and Canada is mentally stronger in coming from behind than before in their two draws.
Wins will be at premium in the Octagonal judging by the first two match days. A win will be a premium bonus in Honduras on Wednesday night, though a draw would not be the end of the world (unless Mexico and Panama play each other on Wednesday).
Gregg Berhalter’s tactics against Canada do leave something to be desired, but I’m also looking for more intensity from the USA at least to match their opponents who will be up for the match in San Pedro Sula. A loss here will definitely heat up the seat of Berhalter (and deservedly the leadership of US Soccer as a whole).
(Editor’s Note: We had erroneously stated that House AC were next playing at home this Friday against LA Force. That is actually Friday, September 17th.)
