MATCH INFO |
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|---|---|
<strong>Matchup</strong> |
Chicago Fire (0-0-1, 1 pt.) vs. Real Salt Lake (0-0-1, 1 pt.) |
<strong>Date</strong> |
Saturday, March 11 • 1:00 p.m. CT |
<strong>Location</strong> |
Bridgeview, Ill. • Toyota Park |
<strong>TV</strong> |
CSN Chicago (Pregame Coverage: 12:30 p.m. CT) |
<strong>Spanish Radio</strong> |
Univision América 1200 (WRTO) |
<b>Matchday Reminders</b> |
<a href="http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2017/03/08/tips-and-reminders-make-most-your-visit-toyota-park-2017"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> |
With a little bit of momentum on their side from last Saturday's 1-1 come-from-behind draw in Columbus, Veljko Paunovic's side will kickoff their 2017 home schedule at long last on Saturday afternoon at Toyota Park against visiting Real Salt Lake (1 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago | TICKETS). The Fire will be looking to put together a more complete match than the one on display in their 2017 season opener last weekend, which saw a dominant second half performance rescue a point after a less-sharp opening 45 minutes against Crew SC. Now, ahead of Saturday's home debut, here are a few key facts, faces and figures to keep in mind:
Key Number: 24.93
Salt Lake were far-and-away the most efficient team in MLS in creating chances on the league’s opening weekend. According to Opta, head coach Jeff Cassar’s men created 15 scoring chances against Toronto FC (Week 1’s highest total), while averaging a chance created every 24.93 passes (Week 1’s most efficient rate). That 24.93 figure doubled the league median, which hovered around one chance created every 50 or so passes. Next, take into account that of 17 total RSL shot attempts against Toronto last week, only three found themselves on target. Finishing (or a lack thereof) was then very clearly the culprit in what turned into a 0-0 draw last Saturday.
Matchup to Watch: McCarty vs. Rusnák
An individual battle in the Fire’s defensive third between one of each club’s highest profile offseason acquisitions looks like one that will have a heavy influence on this match’s outcome. As you can see from RSL’s passing charts against Toronto FC below (successful passes on the left, unsuccessful on the right) Salt Lake had most of its success moving the ball when attacking players were allowed to combine in close quarters up the field, yet struggled to connect in plays attempting to go more direct or switch the field of play. RSL’s Young Designated Player Albert Rusnák is intended to be the facilitator of that close-quarter movement from his No. 10 role in the heart of the midfield, and will look to continue building chemistry with players like Joao Plata, Yura Movsisyan, Sunny, and Jordan Allen. Fire midfielder Dax McCarty’s ability to stamp out Rusnák's influence and force RSL into a more direct and uncomfortable style of play looks to be a big factor in keeping RSL off the board on Saturday.
One Big Question:
What will be Juninho’s level of influence in his first official match with the Fire?
Serving a one-game suspension due to a red card received in his final match in Liga MX last season, Fire midfielder Juninho was forced to watch his team’s opening match from a visitor’s suite in Columbus last weekend. The three-time MLS All-Star’s influence from his role in the midfield was undeniable in his previous stint in MLS with the LA Galaxy, yet Fire faithful were forced to wait one more week to see how that pedigree will now translate in his first year as a member of the Men In Red. He looks set to receive his first opportunity to make his mark on the city of Chicago in front of the home fans on Saturday.
Quote of the Week:
“He’s coming here, so no points for him.”
That’s Fire forward Michael de Leeuw on the impending arrival of Rusnák, his and Johan Kappelhof’s former teammate at FC Groningen. For their commentary on the mini-Dutch Eredivisie reunion taking place at Toyota Park on Saturday, click here.
Fire Field Vision Powered by NovaCare:
From the Media Guide:
- The Fire hold a 6-6-7 all-time regular season record against Real Salt Lake, including a 3-3-4 record in matches played at home. RSL has won three in a row in the series with a five-game unbeaten streak.
- Fire midfielder Arturo Alvarez appeared in 16 games for RSL in 2011.
- RSL assistant coach and director of goalkeeping Daryl Shore was a part of the Fire organization from 2000-10 and served in a number of capacities, including goalkeeper coach and assistant coach.
- RSL’s head scout Andy Williams was a member of the Fire for the 2003 and 2004 seasons, scoring six goals and adding 16 assists in 45 appearances for the Men in Red.
- Of Note:
- Each side was struck with key injuries in the last week, with Chicago's John Goossens due for ankle surgery that will sideline him for 5-6 months. For RSL, centerback Justin Glad is likely to miss Saturday's match after taking a knock in the U.S. U-20's winning bid for the U-20 CONCACAF Championship.
- Veteran goalkeeper and U.S. international Nick Rimando picked up his 29th career penalty kick save in MLS last week, denying Sebastian Giovinco to extend his league record and help preserve a clean sheet in RSL's season-opener. Rimando is just 17 saves shy of matching Kevin Hartman for the all-time MLS record.
