The Chicago Fire head to New Jersey for a tough Saturday clash vs. New York Red Bulls (LIVE 5:30pm CT on My50/TWCSC). Here are 5 Things You Should Know...
Lineup Update
First things first, the Chicago Fire are mostly healthy heading into Saturday night’s clash at Red Bull with no one currently on the Athletico Injury Report. That said, starting center back Bakary Soumare left training early on Thursday with migraine symptoms, while Frank Yallop said Alex isn’t yet fully fit after suffering a hamstring tweak on April 19 vs. New England.
Yallop said earlier this week he would look to make “one or two” lineup changes Saturday vs. New York, with Soumare being a possible candidate. Should he not be good to go, expect to see Patrick Ianni make his first start for the Fire, reconnecting with former Sounders teammate Jhon Kennedy Hurtado in the heart of defense.
Quincy Amarikwa will also return to the starting lineup after serving a one game suspension while Dilly Duka traveled and should be in the match day 18 for the first time since April 5 vs. Philadelphia.
Fire Weekly Preview
Myself, Fred Huebner and Kevin Egan previewed today’s match with Red Bulls’ midfielder Dax McCarty and leading Rookie of the Year candidate, Fire Homegrown Harry Shipp this morning on Chicago Fire Weekly on ESPN 1000.
Prime yourself for the game by listening here.
Red Bull World Cup sendoff
Barring injury or unforeseen surprises, the Fire are unlikely to see any players head to Brazil for next month’s World Cup. Red Bull on the other hand will see two players off after today’s game as Mike Petke has said he’ll release Tim Cahill (Australia) and Roy Miller (Costa Rica) for their nation’s preparations for Brazil.
Will their heads already be away from MLS or looking to make one last showing?
Mike Magee/Clint Mathis – NY Connections
When he arrived as a new assistant coach with the Fire this preseason, Clint Mathis told me he always called reigning 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee his “little brother”. That’s because Mathis and Magee had been teammates three times throughout their careers and two different times while in New York.
Together the two combined for 223 games, 62 goals and 36 assists over 11 seasons with the MetroStars/Red Bulls.
Section 8 Chicago Watch Parties
Looking for a place to watch today’s match? Section 8 Chicago is hosting two Watch Parties at Cleo’s Chicago in Ukrainian Village (1935 W. Chicago Ave) and Go Tavern in Logan Square (3219 W. Armitage).
More information here.
