WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : CHICAGO FIRE
Welcome back to U.S. Open Cup play!
Austin FC made it to the round of 16 by defeating New Mexico United back on May 10 The recent cup draw was very fortunate for Austin as it assigned them home matches tonight and for the next round if they advance that far. Being able to host every match before a potential Semifinal is a huge advantage (although an away day to Chicago sounds like a really good time) and one that Austin is keen to capitalize on. Coach Josh Wolff has been prioritizing this competition and clearly looked ahead to today’s match based on his line up and substitutions on Saturday. Adrian Healey even mentioned on the broadcast that Sebastian Driussi may be available tonight off the bench.
Here’s what you need to know:
History vs. Austin FC:
Besides a preseason match in 2022, these teams have never played each other.
Recent Matches:
Last weekend the Chicago Fire drew 3-3 against Atlanta United in a match that can be described as “wild” as it featured 6(!!) Goals after Chicago had a player sent off in the first half. They advanced in the Open Cup by beating St Louis CITY 2-1 in a home match, not at their actual home stadium.
Players to Watch:
Xerdan Shaqiri
The Swiss International who does extra leg days to counteract all the leg day skippers is the highest paid player in MLS.
He’s also been rejuvenated and motivated after Chicago made a coaching change earlier in the season. He plays as a “10” and is the main distributor in their attack.
Maren Haile-Selassie
The Swiss winger is a new arrival to the Fire this season and has provided attacking width and speed. He had a goal and an assist against Atlanta last weekend and is the kind of player Austin has had trouble defending. The wingback on his side will have to stay back to keep him from isolating on a slower footed CB.
Keys to the Match:
Rotations:
Austin FC rotated in their 1-0 win over Toronto on Saturday, notably not starting Emiliano Rigoni or Diego Fagundez and taking Dani Pereira off. Chicago played essentially the same lineup in both matches last week. Their only sure starter is Frederico Navarro who was sent off last weekend and is suspended for their next match. Will they rotate for this match or trot out tired legs in heat and humidity they aren’t used to?
Coach Connections:
Josh Wolff and Fire coach Frank Klopas played together for the Chicago Fire when they won the US Open Cup all the way back in 1998 over the Columbus Crew. Klopas scored the winning “golden goal” in the 99’ after being subbed on for ET a mere nine minutes earlier. With both coaches so familiar with each other, could we see gamesmanship beyond Austin leaking that Driussi will be available tonight?
Home Cooking:
Last round 8 of 9 home sides won in all MLS matchups. Midweek matches tend to benefit the home side as MLS Match Day 13 Austin winning away to Seattle was the only road side to get three points. With one of the best atmospheres in the league will Austin advance?
See you at Q2!
WRITTEN BY : SCOTT SPECHT
