Fire II set to face Crew 2 at SeatGeek

For the second time in their short history, Fire II are hosting a playoff game. This time, they face the Columbus Crew 2, marking the first time that the reserve sides of the traditional rivals will face each other in a knockout competition in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The match is also the first meeting between the Fire and Columbus since former Crew head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter was announced as the Fire’s incoming first-team Head Coach and Director of Football.

Although Fire II finished the regular season three spots ahead of Crew 2, known to their supporters as the Capybaras, the teams are, on paper, closely matched: Fire II finished a scant two points ahead of Crew 2 after the 28-game regular season, though Columbus actually were ahead on goal differential, scoring two more goals and conceding four fewer than the Fire’s even tally of 51 on each count.

Still, playing at home – where Head Coach Ludovic Tallandier noted the team had the best record in the Eastern Conference throughout the regular season, Fire II, led by team captain and league Golden Boot winner David Poreba, will be favored to continue their campaign.

Columbus, however, will not be an easy opponent: The team won the league in its inaugural 2022 season and made it to the final last year, falling to Austin FC II by a 3-1 scoreline. A Fire II win would deny the Capybaras their third-consecutive conference championship.

Players to Watch

Fire II have played one of the most attractive brands of soccer in MLS Next Pro this season, with several of the league's most exciting players making it possible. Of course, Chicagoland native David Poreba won the league's Golden Boot award for his 18 goals during the regular season; a natural number 10, he has emerged as Taillandier's go-to man up front. Guyana international Omari Glasgow has also had a great season, providing versatile depth in the wide areas in his third season. The man of the match in last week's first round win was Christian Koffi, who had a difficult season but played his best game of the season against Orlando City B.

On the younger side, Fire II has also seen homegrown and academy players thrive; Justin Reynolds, Sergio Oregel, and Javi Casas have all been vital pieces despite their limited first team involvements, with Reynolds' good form translating into MLS minutes down the stretch. Patrick Los has been the team's top goalkeeper this year, though he's currently battling injury; Christopher Cupps and Vitaliy Hlyut have been rotational players at the age of 16, leaving a very positive impression.

The top player to watch for Crew 2 is Chase Adams, who actually originally comes from Naperville, Illinois. He is the team's top scorer with nine goals this season and, at just 16, is one of the country's top prospects alongside the likes of Cupps, Cavan Sullivan, and Nimfasha Berchimas (all of whom are still in the Eastern Conference playoffs). 18-year-old Brent Adu-Gyamfi has also had a strong season, and scored in their 6-2 win over Miami.

The teams are set to kickoff Sunday, October 27th at 1 p.m. CDT. As is usual for the MLS Next Pro team, tickets and parking are free, and the game will also be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Read More:

https://meninred97.com/fire-ii-creating-a-standard-in-third-season/

https://meninred97.com/who-will-be-the-chicago-fires-next-homegrown/

https://meninred97.com/fire-iis-playoff-opener-is-one-you-wont-want-to-miss/