The Fire’s final preseason tune-up is set for Saturday night in South Carolina when the Men In Red take on the Charleston Battery in the finale of the 2019 Carolina Challenge Cup.
Fans are invited to stream the match when it kicks off live at 6:30 p.m. CT at charlestonbattery.com.
Head coach Veljko Paunovic and his side battled to a pair of 1-1 draws in the tournament’s first two matches, most recently finishing level with 2019 MLS Expansion side FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night. Midfielder Aleksandar Katai got the goal in that one – his third of the preseason – on an assist from forward Nemanja Nikolić in the second half.
- Fire, FC Cincinnati battle to 1-1 draw in #CCC19 play
- #CCC19 Postmatch Highlights | Chicago Fire 1:1 FC Cincinnati
The Fire (0-0-2, two points) can finish in first place in the annual round robin tournament with a win on Saturday night against the hosts and an FC Cincinnati (1-0-1, four points) loss or draw against Columbus Crew SC, should goal differential be in their favor.
2019 Carolina Challenge Cup Standings:
- FC Cincinnati (1-0-1, four points | +1 GD)
- Chicago Fire (0-0-2, two points | 0 GD)
- Columbus Crew SC (0-0-2, two points | 0 GD)
- Charleston Battery (0-1-1, one point | -1 GD)
Following Saturday’s match, the Fire will return to Chicago to continue preparations for their 2019 MLS regular season opener on the road at the LA Galaxy on March 2 (7 p.m. CT, FS1).
More on the Fire's 2019 preseason:
