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The Fire are 4-1-0 in their past five matches,
powered by a defense that has found its form. Chicago hasn't
allowed a goal in its past 195 minutes, picking up clean sheet
wins over Nashville SC last Saturday and CF Montreal on
Wednesday.
"Another amazing effort from the back line and all the boys up
front," said goalkeeper Chris Brady after the 3-0 result over
Montreal. "I think we're definitely learning from our mistakes
in the beginning of the season by not sitting back and conceding
as much space, especially when we have a lead."
Against Montreal, the Fire quickly put the match out of reach
with three goals in the opening 33 minutes.
The Fire (7-7-8, 29 points) have moved over the playoff line as
their season continues to turn around. The club has posted a
5-4-3 record since Frank Klopas was named interim head coach on
May 8.
Toronto FC (3-10-10, 19 points) can only hope for some kind of
reversal under interim head coach Terry Dunfield, though the
team has yet to score in Dunfield's three games running the
sideline. Toronto has lost five consecutive matches, and is
winless (0-5-3) in its past eight.
Toronto FC will be without several regulars due to injury or
suspension, but two new faces could be joining the lineup. The
Reds acquired Franco Ibarra on loan from Atlanta United earlier
this week, and on Thursday, brought in Latif Blessing as part of
a trade with the New England Revolution.
"(Blessing) not only brings a winning mentality, but a selfless
approach to the game, and we are looking forward to integrating
him into our team," Toronto GM Jason Hernandez said in a news
release.
The Fire are 4-1-6 at home this season. Toronto FC are 0-7-4 on
the road, and are the only MLS team without an away victory.
In their first meeting of the season, Toronto FC and the Fire
played to a 0-0 draw in Toronto on May 31.
--Field Level Media
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