FC Dallas comes home this weekend to take on the Chicago Fire, following a two game West coast road trip with stops in San Jose and Seattle. Though Dallas managed to earn a 1-0 win over the Earthquakes Friday night,they're fresh off a midweek 5-0 loss to the Sounders, where Maynor Figueroa received a red card in the third minute and will have to sit out Saturday's home game to serve his suspension. On the other side, the Chicago Fire are coming off a 1-0 win over Sporting KC, which lifted them to one spot above last place with 17 points and a 4-8-5 record. In preparation for Saturday's game, here's what you need to know about our opponent from the North.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
While the Fire are a formidable team in their home territory, their away record tells a completely different story - they haven't won on the road in over two years, dating all the way back to July 2014 with a slim 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. They're 0-6-2 on the road this season and with another big crowd expected to show up at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night, Dallas will certainly have home field advantage.
KEY PLAYER FOR CHICAGO
Kennedy Igboananike- The Nigerian forward is in just his second MLS season but has already proved himself to be a valuable player. He's started every game he's played this season and is currently tied with David Accam as Chicago's top goal scorer with four goals - he also leads his team in shots and shots on goal, which means he can create scoring opportunities and isn't afraid to take chances. It's worth noting that he hasn't scored since May, but that just means he's that much more determined to find the back of the net again.
KEY MATCH-UP
Maxi Urruti vs. Jonathan Campbell - The defender was a first round draft pick and is having a stellar rookie season with over 1,000 minutes logged on the pitch in 17 games and 16 starts for Chicago. On the other hand, Maxi has the ability to score even with tough circumstances, as proved by his winning bicycle kick goal against San Jose last Friday. He also sat out Wednesday's game in Seattle, so he'll be well-rested and ready for Saturday.
PROJECTED LINEUP (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sean Johnson; Defenders: Michael Harrington, Jonathan Campbell, Joao Meira, Brandon Vincent; Midfielders: KhalyThiam, Matt Polster; Arturo Alvarez, Razvan Cocis; Forwards: David Accam, Michael de Leeuw
KEYS TO THREE POINTS
Dallas' defensive backline, coupled with Chris Seitz in between the pipes, is a death sentence for an opposing offense - especially the Fire who average just one goal per game and have a -5 goal differential. Before Wednesday night's loss in Seattle, our defense had a strong three game, 315 minute shutout streak and they'll be looking for a fresh start on Saturday. Dallas is also unbeaten in games where they score at least one goal, so as long as the offense can create chances and take shots, it should be a good game for the home team.