New York City FC returns from a two-week international break by traveling to Chicago to play the Fire at Soldier Field. New York Soccer Journal spoke with Joe Chatz of On Tap Sports Net to learn more about Chicago Fire FC, winners of back-to-back matches and a near lock to make this year's MLS Cup Playoffs. Here is your NYCFC vs Chicago Fire preview.
• League Form: D-L-L-W-W
• Record: 13W, 6D, 8L | 45 points, 4th place in Eastern Conference
• Scoring Leader (active): Maren Haile-Selassie, 9 goals
• Assist Leader: Philip Zinckernagel, 8 assists
1. How high will they climb?
New York Soccer Journal: After a six-game winless streak, Chicago Fire has ripped off back-to-back wins over two solid teams, Charlotte FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. With the Fire sitting just one point off second place, could they finish that high in the Eastern Conference?
Joe Chatz: The two seed in the Eastern Conference is up for grabs at this point, and that is a great goal for the Chicago Fire entering the postseason. Chicago ideally needs to be a top-four seed at a minimum, but a win over NYCFC would put them in a great spot to push to be that team behind Nashville at the end of the season. It would require the Fire to continue their strong play from their last two matches, which I think is realistic at this point.
2. Early impressions of Lewandowski
New York Soccer Journal: Robert Lewandowski has now played 12 MLS matches, tallying six goals and three assists. How has he settled into the league and linked up with the attack?
