Chicago Fire FC Travels to Seattle Sounders FC

Chicago Fire FC returns to MLS competition Saturday afternoon with a cross-country trip to face Seattle Sounders FC.

Chicago enters at 11-6-3 with 36 points, while Seattle is 7-9-4 with 25 points.

The Fire are coming off a 2-1 loss against C.F. Monterrey in Tuesday’s Leagues Cup quarterfinals. That result ended a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Despite the midweek disappointment, Chicago has emerged as one of MLS’s more complete teams in Gregg Berhalter’s second season in charge. Entering Saturday, the Fire rank fifth in MLS in expected goals for, seventh in expected goals against and third in expected-goal difference.

One of the major storylines remains superstar striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international joined Chicago this season and has scored four times through his first nine appearances across all competitions. Philip Zinckernagel is another major attacking threat for the Fire.

Seattle, meanwhile, finally stopped an eight-match MLS losing streak last Saturday by earning a comeback draw on the road against FC Cincinnati. Sounders goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made seven saves in that match, while Kalani Kossa-Rienzi scored the equalizer. Seattle will be without midfielder Peter Kingston, who is suspended because of yellow-card accumulation.

Chicago will be looking to shake off Tuesday’s cup elimination and continue what has been a strong MLS campaign.

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT
Location: Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington
Watch: Apple TV