Seattle Sounders FC vs Chicago Fire preview

By Money Mike


The Seattle Sounders kick off the month of June on the road as they invade Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois looking to sweep the Chicago Fire for the second year in a row. Last week, the Seattle Sounders came away with one of their biggest upsets in their history as they put an end to Real Salt Lake's home unbeaten streak with a 2-1 with Patrick Ianni and Lamar Neagle scoring for the Sounders. Lamar Neagle far upper 90 goal went on to win GOAL of the Week. On the other side, Chicago are win-less in their last nine games and are 1-4-6 this season which adds up to 9 points. Last week, they drew 2-2 at home to the San Jose Earthquakes. Gory Gibbs's diving header was the difference as the 6' 1" defender headed home only his second MLS Goal and his 6th of his professional career. The Fire made some moves this week as they sacked their head coach Carlos de los Cobos and in replace they hired their technical director Frank Klopas as their interm head coach. de los Cobos wasn't the only coach fired this week, the Vancouver Whitecaps also decided to part ways with their head coach Teitur Thordarson which I think was harsh. The last meeting between the Sounders and the Fire was back on April 9 at Qwest Field where the Sounders defeated Chicago 2-1 for their 1st win of the season and also the start of Chicago's win-less drought.


Injury report:

Seattle Sounders FC - Alright let's take a look at the men in Rave Green. One new injury to talk about. Alvaro Fernandez, remember he left last weeks match after straining his left hamstring, he is listed as questionable, but he did not make the trip to Chicago so he out for tonight.

Chicago Fire - For the struggling Fire. Mike Banner has tendinitis on his left achilles tendon and is out. Steven Kinney also has an achilles problem, he'll need more time for his right achilles to heal so he is also out. Marko Maric made his debut on the road at Portland and so far that's the only match he's played because he's been out with a sprained left deltoid. He's still having difficulties recovering from it so he is out for this match as well. Josip Mikulic is also out with a fractured left clavicle. And finally, Patrick Nyarko was listed as doubtful during midweek with a concussion, he's not on the list now.


Key matchups:

Fredy Montero vs Cory Gibbs - I'm expecting Sigi to put Montero back in the lineup. I'm not sure who will partner up front with him, but if he does get the start, I think he's going to be matched up defensively with the veteran defender.

Brad Evans vs Gonzalo Segares - Evans is still leading his team with four goals this season. He'll be matched up against an experienced defender who has the ability to push forward. This is a matchup we should keep our eyes on very closely.