The Chicago Fire take on D.C. United Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park (LIVE My50/UniMas). Here are five things you should know heading into today's match.
Athletico Injury Report
The Fire have gotten mostly healthy this week with Daniel Paladini, Maicon Santos, Hunter Jumper and Yazid Atouba all coming off the injury report. The only addition ahead of Sunday’s game is captain Logan Pause, who is questionable after a groin injury in Wednesday’s Open Cup game at Charlotte.
Additionally, Sean Johnson has returned from U.S. Men’s National Team duty and will be available for selection Sunday afternoon.
About this time nine years ago…
HISTORY: Ralph bags hat trick vs. D.C. (6/5/2004)
Second-year Fire forward Damani Ralph became just the second player in club history to tally a hat trick in the Men in Red’s 3-0 defeat of D.C. United on June 5, 2004.
Take off your hat and watch the highlights to the right:
Hey, Hey, Hey Mike Magee
With his 11th minute header Wednesday in Charlotte, newly minted Fire forward Mike Magee became the ninth player in club history to tally a goal in their debut.
The Chicagoland native is set to make his home debut for the club he grew up supporting Sunday against D.C. United, a team he’s done alright against with four goals and three assists all-time.
Magee has tallied a goal and assist in his last three games against D.C. United and would be keen to tally in his first game as a Fire player at Toyota Park.
Calling Out Rolfe (again)
Earlier this week, I pointed out that Chris Rolfe had never scored for the Fire first team in U.S. Open Cup play and he promptly scored one of the nicest goals of his nine-year career in the 58th minute of Tuesday’s win. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Rolfe does have three regular season goals against D.C. United but hasn’t tallied against them in league play since his rookie year in 2005 – his second longest drought against individual MLS clubs (he’s never scored against Colorado).
Time to end that one Sunday.
Supporters Shield will be present
Section 8 Chicago is in possession of the new Supporters Shield and will have it on display Sunday at Toyota Park.
Awarded every year to the MLS side with the best regular season record the new shield is an impressive piece of hardware contemplated and brought to life by the Independent Supporters Council.
Check it out on the concourse behind Section 123 and in the Stadium Club post-game.
For more information on the history of the Supporters Shield, visit www.supportersshield.org.
