Chicago Fire can't overlook upcoming MLS game

It would be easy for the Chicago Fire to look past Friday's game at Portland to the Aug. 12 U.S. Open Cup semifinal at Philadelphia.

Fire coach Frank Yallop said his club can't afford to let that happen as it tries to climb into playoff position.

"We're not looking past Portland," he said. "It's a very important game for us in the league. We've just had a great one at home, 3 points. Now we've got to try to go to Portland and get a win there if we can, or get something out of that game, obviously. I think you can't get ahead of yourself."

Nevertheless, the Fire always has valued the Open Cup and would love to bring another trophy to Chicago.

"Obviously, it's a massive game next Wednesday for us as a club. We want to win that game and we'll make every effort to do that," he said.

It will be a busy couple of weeks for the Fire, not only with the short rest between games but also the travel to both coasts. The Fire will return to Chicago between games but likely will stay in Philadelphia for an Aug. 16 game, a Major League Soccer match against the Union.

A coin flip this Wednesday morning will determine the host of the Open Cup championship match. It will be shown live at ussoccer.com at 11 a.m.

The Portland game will be televised nationally on UniMas (10 p.m.).

The new guy:

Yallop said he hopes new designated player Gilberto, a forward acquired off waivers last week, will get his visa done in time to join the club in Portland from Brazil.

Injury update:

Right back Lovel Palmer left Sunday's game with a sprained knee, but Yallop said Monday he's encouraged Palmer will be available Friday night at Portland.

Defender Ty Harden, acquired in the trade that sent Quincy Amarikwa to San Jose, could be in the 18 for the first time since the deal. He has been out with a hamstring strain.

"He's doing extremely well and looks good, so we'll see how he looks for the weekend again," Yallop said of Harden.

Mike Magee will not play Friday because of ongoing knee problems.

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