Chicago fans had plenty to talk about this week after a disappointing rain soaked and game shortened draw at home last Sunday against Houston. On Tuesday news broke like a whirlwind that Chicago had brought back another fan favorite, Chris Rolfe, to help with Chicago’s early season scoring woes. Rolfe, who played for the Fire from 2005-2009, returned Tuesday afternoon from Aalborg BK in Denmark after agreeing to terms with his former club and Chicago.
Rolfe’s return has been hampered early on by news Thursday afternoon that his much anticipated return will have to wait, as he picked up an ankle knock in Thursday morning’s training session. Multiple reports from within the team have stated that his time off the pitch will be short, however, as the Fire expect him back within two weeks.While that doesn’t help the Fire this weekend as they travel to Toronto, it’s doubtful Chicago will have trouble scoring against the only remaining team to gather a point in league play. Still, one cannot underestimate a Toronto FC side that is quickly entering “nothing to lose” territory, and Chicago has been known to have their issues traveling north of the border, with a 2-3-1 record when playing at BMO Field.
With Chris Rolfe’s role in the gameday 18 no longer a mystery, it’s likely Frank Klopas will go with a familiar starting XI against a struggling TFC side. Gargan, Anibaba, Friedrich, and Segares look to lineup in back. Defensively Chicago should be strong, as Friedrich and Anibaba will look to strengthen the communication that led to Will Bruin’s first half goal last week. Gargan, entering BMO Field for the first time since last year’s trade for Dasan Robinson, will certainly be up to the task, as he has continued the strong play he became known for last season with the Fire.
Chicago’s midfield looks to counter Toronto and create plenty of scoring chances through the space provided to Sebastian Grazzini. Chicago showed against Houston last weekend that they could move the ball well through the midfield, and their success against Toronto will depend partly on that, especially if Aron Winter decides to employ a 3-4-3 formation against the Fire. Chicago should be rounding out the midfield with captain Logan Pause and Marco Pappa on the outside, with Pavel Pardo filling in his customary DM role. Patrick Nyarko and Dominic Oduro will round out the top, as they will again look to use speed and their communication to thwart Toronto’s backline.
While Chicago hasn’t scored a lion’s share of goals this season (just 3 strikes in 4 games), the Fire should have no problems creating scoring chances against a club that has -8 goals against on the season, and has yet to score at home in league play. Toronto surprised everyone with their performance in the CCL, but their league play has been a far cry from that, with abysmal showings coupled with a little bit of bad luck through their first 5 matches. Chicago’s success is going to depend on their ability to come out and control the match early, the way they did against Philadelphia in their home opener, rather that the rough start they had in Colorado. If they can do so, they’ll walk out of BMO Field with three points and join the group of teams in the East trying to stay within a reasonable distance of powerhouse Sporting KC. Must-win games against opponents like Toronto will greatly help their cause if they can capitalize on their chances.
Image courtesy of chicago-fire.com
