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Chicago Fireplace head coach Frank Klopas insisted his aspect should overcome their sluggish begin in opposition to D.C. United with a purpose to push for the playoffs forward of dealing with the New York Crimson Bulls this weekend.
Klopas watched on as his aspect conceded twice in three minutes halfway via the primary half in opposition to D.C. as Christian Benteke and Gabriel Pirani’s struck to safe the triumph for the guests.
The consequence leaves the Fireplace 14th within the Japanese Convention standings, with Klopas stressing the significance of power from the primary whistle to his gamers.
“We would have liked to return out with power. If we did that, I felt that we have been within the recreation,” Klopas mentioned.
“We acquired that purpose. After which, if you happen to see the second half, the quantity of possession, and it’s a staff that was sitting again, seeking to counter.
“We get in good spots, after which our means within the closing 25 yards from purpose, whether or not it’s simply making a play, the standard of the crosses coming in, connecting, we get in actually good spots and we have to be higher and sharper within the closing third, in these areas.”
Remaining from Bridgeview.#cf97 | #CHIvsDC pic.twitter.com/BcCkaXOsWd
— Chicago Fireplace FC (@ChicagoFire) September 8, 2024
The Crimson Bulls, in the meantime, performed out a thirteenth draw of the season on house soil in opposition to Kansas Metropolis final day trip, with 16-year-old Julian Corridor snatching a degree within the closing minute of regular time.
It marked simply their second purpose from their final three MLS fixtures since coming back from the Leagues Cup, and so they have since misplaced tempo with the highest three within the Japanese Convention however are nonetheless 4 factors forward of rivals New York Metropolis FC in fourth place.
Head coach Sandro Schwarz acknowledged his aspect’s difficulties within the closing third of late however insisted that his squad have addressed their insecurity on the high finish of the pitch.
“I believe additionally it is from the psychological aspect,” Schwarz mentioned. “While you didn’t have one of the best recreation final week, and then you definately concede the primary purpose, it isn’t straightforward for a younger staff.
“On this level, I’m very comfortable we have been capable of get this level. That is what we are able to enhance, and that is what we’ve executed additionally to create extra of those moments within the closing third.
“We had huge possibilities all through the sport, however from this level you want a purpose to present you confidence to imagine in your high quality – that is what we’ve to do.”
The grind by no means stops pic.twitter.com/G7py6ENm65
— New York Crimson Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 11, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chicago Fireplace – Andrew Gutman
Gutman scored Chicago’s solely purpose in opposition to D.C. from exterior the field, the seventh Fireplace purpose from exterior the penalty space in 2024.
Chicago final scored extra targets from exterior the field within the 2012 season (13).
NYRB – Cory Burke
Burke has scored 28 profession common season MLS targets with eight of these coming in opposition to this weekend’s opponents.
The Jamaican has not scored greater than three targets in opposition to another MLS opponent however has scored not less than as soon as in each season he’s confronted the Fireplace from 2018 to 2023.
MATCH PREDICTION: NYRB WIN
The Fireplace are unbeaten in 4 straight conferences with the Crimson Bulls (W1 D3), together with a scoreless draw at Crimson Bull Enviornment in April. Chicago final went 5 straight unbeaten in opposition to New York in all competitions from August 2010 to June 2012 (W2 D3).
Nonetheless, they’ve misplaced three straight house matches in all competitions for the third time for the reason that begin of final season. Chicago had misplaced three straight house matches in all competitions simply twice within the membership’s first 25 seasons and have by no means misplaced 4 in a row at house earlier than.
Whereas coming into the encounter as favourites, eight of the Crimson Bulls’ final 11 common season matches have resulted in attracts (W2 L1), together with all 4 on the highway throughout that point. They’re additionally winless in six straight common season highway video games (D4 L2) since a win at D.C. United in Might.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Chicago Fireplace – 27.3%
Draw – 24%
NYRB – 48.7%
