Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City: How to Watch and Availability Report
The Chicago Fire will return to MLS action this evening as they recommence the season following a more than month-long pause as they take on fifth-placed Orlando City at Soldier Field. The showdown on the lakefront will be particularly important for the Fire, who will aim to maintain their current positioning in the race to reach the postseason for the first time since 2017.
The Men in Red will be hoping to recapture the momentum that they have had in the past few months since the June international window. Since that break, the Fire have won six of seven matches against MLS opponents, and showed well in Leagues Cup against strong opposition including Club América. As there are only four home matches for the Fire succeeding this one, including a date with newly-crowned Leagues Cup champion Inter Miami, getting three points is of upmost importance. The visiting Lions are five points clear of their hosts, but will still see this game as a great opportunity to steal points on the road and further solidfy their playoff positioning.
Head Coach Frank Klopas, who has revitalized the Fire from top to bottom in the months since he took over in May, could be forced to make a few changes to his preferred team. Chris Mueller (right upper leg) remains out with a season-ending injury, and Victor Bezerra (right lower leg) has been deemed not fit either. Starting goalkeeper Chris Brady, who picked up a minor back injury in the loss to América earlier this month, is questionable, though he has trained this week, which is an encouraging sign. Center back and captain Rafa Czichos misses out due to yellow card accumulation.
Oscar Pareja's Orlando team will also be missing a few players. Winger Gastón González (left thigh) has been certainly ruled out, while Mikey Halliday (left thigh) and Júnior Urso (right lower leg) remain questionable. Center forward Duncan McGuire will be the player to watch, as he has scored eight goals and added two assists as a rookie out of Creighton.
The match will be aired on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass. Callum Williams and Calen Carr will be on the call in English, whilst Sergio Ruiz and Miguel Gallardo will take over in Spanish. Lukasz Szpala will be the main referee; he has not reffed the Fire since last season's 3-2 surprise win at Cincinnati.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Orlando City SC
MLS Matchday 25 | Sunday, August 20th | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Kickoff: 7:30 PM CST
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: 890 WLS-AM (English), TUDN 1200 AM (Spanish)
Commentators: Callum Williams (play-by-play) and Calen Carr (analyst)
