MATCH INFO |
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|---|---|
<strong>Matchup</strong> |
Chicago Fire (1-1-2, 5 pts.) vs. Columbus Crew SC (3-1-1, 10 pts.) |
<strong>Date</strong> |
Saturday, April 8 • 1:00 p.m. CT |
<strong>Location</strong> |
Bridgeview, Ill. • Toyota Park |
<strong>TV</strong> |
CSN Chicago Plus (Pregame: 12:30 p.m. CT) |
<strong>Spanish Radio</strong> |
<a href="http://stream.uvneng.com/wrtoam-cf"><strong>Univision América 1200 (WRTO)</strong></a> |
<strong>Matchup Report</strong> |
<a href="http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2017/04/06/chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-sc-2017-mls-match-preview"><strong>Injuries, Projected Lineups and More</strong></a> |
Following a late draw with Montreal last weekend, the Chicago Fire will look to continue their unbeaten run of form at Toyota Park in 2017 when they welcome Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew SC on Saturday afternoon (1 pm CT, CSN Chicago Plus | TICKETS). These two teams played to a 1-1 draw in Columbus on opening day, as the Fire now look to capitalize on their turn to host by capturing a full three points. Ahead of Saturday's Eastern Conference replay, here are a few key facts, faces and figures to keep in mind:
Key Number: 75.66
The numbers back up Crew SC’s quiet rise to the top of the early Eastern Conference standings. Through five games, they lead MLS in shots on target (26), big chances created (13, according to Opta), and boast a 75.66 completion percentage on passes in the opposing half of the field. Crew SC boast a front six heavy with players individually talented enough to make a difference on their own, but the chemistry they've displayed when going forward makes them equally tough to pin down as a unit. They’ve banged in seven goals in their last three games -- all wins -- and will look to keep a returning Johan Kappelhof and co. busy come kickoff on Saturday.
Matchup to Watch: Bastian Schweinsteiger vs Wil Trapp
Schweinsteiger at least temporarily silenced those doubting his MLS viability last Saturday. After scoring 17 minutes into his Chicago Fire debut, the German Designated Player generally caused havoc in the Montreal half with his clean link play and his ability to perfectly weight passes through to Fire runners. He’ll undoubtedly see his fair share of Trapp come Saturday, who has been the Crew SC fulcrum from central midfield in 2017, especially with Federico Higuain not quite in top form coming off of injury. Trapp is not only his team’s most accurate distributor (91.24% pass accuracy), but his nine tackles won and 33 defensive recoveries are bests among Crew SC field players as well.
One Big Question: Will Kekuta Manneh make his Crew SC debut?
Columbus made a surprise move on March 30 when they swapped midfielder Tony Tchani for speedy winger Kekuta Manneh in a trade with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Manneh arrived in time for Columbus’ last match with Orlando, but was held out of the matchday roster. Saturday’s Eastern Conference clash at Toyota Park could very well be the first time Manneh features for his new club. Should that happen, remaining balanced while containing that injection of pace will be the challenge for the Fire defensive unit. Manneh has 22 goals and 12 assists in 101 MLS regular season appearances.
Quote of the Week:
"Maturity for sure, (it's) a maturity test that we're having in front of us."
That's head coach Veljko Paunovic on a particular element of Saturday's match that he'll have his eye on. Hear his full thoughts on how he's prepared for Saturday's visit from Columbus right here.
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From the Media Guide:
- This is the 60th all-time meeting between this historic rivals, and the fourth in the last nine MLS matches played for the Men In Red dating to last season. The Fire are 24-17-18 all-time in regular season games against Columbus Crew SC, including a 14-6-10 advantage in matches played at home, but Columbus enters Saturday riding a 10-match unbeaten streak in the series (5-0-5).
- Goalkeeper Matt Lampson and assistant coach Eric Gehrig began their professional careers with Crew SC. Lampson appeared in 18 matches from 2012-15, while Gehrig appeared in 46 regular season and two post season matches from 2011-14.
- Crew SC midfielder Dilaver Duka represented the Men in Red during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, scoring four goals and adding three assists in 37 league matches.
- Crew SC assistant coach Josh Wolff represented the Fire for the first five seasons of his professional playing career. Wolff appeared in 84 regular season matches, scoring 32 goals and adding 15 assists from 1998-2002.
