THOUGHTS ABOUT THE FIRE: The squad rotation was in full effect as the Fire are prioritizing Wednesday’s US Open Cup quarterfinal against Louisville. Saturday night’s match against Dallas was admittedly hard to watch as very few in Fire shirts made cases that they deserve more playing time. It makes Wednesday a must-win if there is something to look forward to the rest of the season.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE RED STARS: It was another big win for the Red Stars on Saturday night against Seattle, but it almost felt like a loss with injuries to Arin Gilliand and Danielle Colaprico. Gilliand is being re-evaluated by team doctors after x-rays came back normal on fears of a cervical spine injury after colliding with the Reign’s Stephanie Catley while Colaprico was put in concussion protocol after colliding with Jessica Fishlock. Still, it was a huge win for the Red Stars as it keeps them in playoff contention in what’s become a log jam for second place.
The bad news for the Red Stars is that the teams around them apart from third-place Orlando have a match in hand. By the time the Red Stars play again on the 28th against Sky Blue FC, they could be below the red line.
FIRE SUPPORTERS GROUPS TO RETURN SATURDAY: Organized Supporter Activities at Toyota Park are set to resume on Saturday night for the home game against Toronto FC according to a statement tweeted by Section 8 Chicago. The return, according to the statement is “not an admission of failure”, nor an endorsement of the Front Office’s ban of Sector Latino and the clearing of season ticket holders in Section 101. Section 8 says that they are bringing their “unity, energy, and frustration to the doorstep of the team by returning to our home.”
They are also welcoming Sector Latino, Marshland Casuals, Banter Buddies, and all ‘exiled’ fans to join them in the Harlem End on the North end of the stadium.
There will be no organized supporters activities on Wednesday for the Open Cup match and actions beyond the 21st in collaboration with Sector Latino are “still flexible” and also depend on update from the Fire front office according to the statement. 
Chicago Fire
Chicago Red Stars
