Toronto FC heads to Chicago after disappointing loss and bye week

With six matches remaining following Saturday’s visit to Chicago, Beitashour, a veteran of seven MLS seasons, understands the importance of going into the playoffs on a roll.

“It’s huge. I don’t know what the stats are, but typically the team that wins the MLS Cup is on a bit of a roll just to finish off the season and going into the playoffs,” he said. “It’s one of those things that you would like to win Supporter’s Shield, have the best record, and win every single game. But at the end of the day, you want to be healthy and have good momentum going in to the playoffs.”

TFC heads to Chicago for the second of three matches with the Fire this season. The Reds won the previous meeting 1-0 on July 9 at BMO Field.

Captain Michael Bradley and with forwards Jozy Altidore and Tosaint Ricketts are back with the club this weekend following the international break. Coach Greg Vanney wouldn’t say whether any of the three would be in the starting lineup on Saturday, but hopes to work them into the game at some point.

This weekend could also see Panamanian midfielder Armando Cooper make his TFC debut.

The Fire (6-12-8) are unbeaten in nine consecutive matches at Toyota Park and enter Saturday’s contest following a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Union last weekend. Chicago is ninth in the Eastern Conference and trail sixth place Orlando City SC by eight points for the final playoff spot.

“For me, they’re a team that is very dangerous on the counter attack,” Vanney said. “They are very committed to the defending side at getting numbers behind the ball and slowing things down. In order to score against them, more times than not you’ve got to break down a lot of guys.

“They’re one of those dangerous teams because they’re still fighting for their lives, but they still have something to fight for.”

TFC is 5-9-8 in 22 MLS meetings with the Fire and have never won in Chicago, going 0-5-5 in 10 visits.

Dhiren Mahiban, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Toronto FC heads to Chicago after disappointing loss and bye week

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