D.C. United (7-4-4, 25 points) return home to Audi Field today to take on the Chicago Fire (4-5-5, 17 points). United hold a slight advantage in the all-time head-to-head series against Chicago with a 23-20-16 record.
United’s most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw at New England. Forward Juan Agudelo scored in the 61st minute - just minutes after Matt Turner collided with Wayne Rooney outside the box and was given a straight red. VAR awarded United a penalty in second-half stoppage time and Rooney stepped up and slotted the ball past Brad Knighton, to give United the tying goal late in the second half.
Chicago also split points in their most recent match after a 1-1 draw with NYCFC over the weekend. The draw brought Chicago’s home unbeaten streak to six games (4-0-2). CJ Sapong scored his fifth of the season in the 28th minute of the match but NYCFC’s, Alex Mitriță tied the match just ten minutes later.
Despite an impressive home record for the Fire, the team remains winless on the road this season with a record, 0-4-2. The Fire’s top two goal scorers are MLS veteran’s Sapong and Nemanja Nikolić both with five goals on the season thus far. Former Atlético Madrid midfielder Nico Gaitán joined the Fire in just prior to the 2019 season and has become a staple in the middle of the field for them. Gaitán is currently leading the team with four assists in 2019.
Rooney has reached the 20 goal plateau in just 34 games played with his late-game heroics at Gillette Stadium over the weekend. The Englishman is currently ranked third in MLS this season with eight goals. He is also leading United in assists with four. No doubt that his presence on the field will be felt tonight by the Fire and the fans.
Bill Hamid has been far and away, the best goalkeeper in MLS this season. His seven clean sheets are leading the league, likewise with his 52 saves in 15 games this season. Hamid will be a big factor in tonight's match.
The match will be broadcast on FloFC at 8 PM ET. Pre-game show with Dave and Devin starts at 7:30 PM ET.
