The Chicago Fire is an interesting opponent for Montreal this weekend as the Impact goes looking for its first road win of the season and a first ever win at Toyota Park. With familiarity between the two teams thanks to Impact head coach Frank Klopas and some of the players he’s brought in, formerly from the windy city, this could be the perfect time to find a first road victory since 2013.
Climbing the standings
The Impact (2-3-2) is currently in 9th spot in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind Chicago (3-5-2), who hold the next highest seeding. On top of the three games in hand that the boys in blue hold on the Fire, a win at Toyota Park will move the Impact ahead of Chicago.
Good results for Chicago too
IMFC is not the only side who earned a good result this past weekend, after its 2-1 victory over the Western Conference leading FC Dallas. The Fire went into Columbus and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point, a second straight draw on the road for Frank Yallop’s group. Despite being winless in four games, Chicago has found some momentum with these two recent road results.
Offensively challenged
When your centre back (Jeff Larentowicz, 3G) is your leading goal scorer, things are not going according to plan for your attacking players. Part of the Fire’s struggles arise from former MLS MVP Mike Magee remaining sidelined with knee and hip injuries (although he’s returned to training this week), while Designated Player Shaun Maloney is trying to find his form in MLS. In addition, Chicago is looking to find some chemistry on the offensive side of the ball with a number of new players this season, including David Accam and Kennedy Igboananike.
