Chicago Fire game day

D.C. United at Chicago Fire, 8 p.m. Thursday, Toyota Park

TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes

Scouting D.C. United: United (7-6-9, 30 points) looks like a legitimate playoff contender, but it can’t afford to stumble in Chicago. Chris Pontius scored twice in last weekend’s 4-0 victory against Vancouver, but the team really took off when it acquired the dangerous Dwayne De Rosario.

Scouting the Fire: With its playoff hopes dim and fading, the last-place Fire (2-7-14, 20 points) needs to start thinking about next season. Do newly acquired veterans Pavel Pardo and Sebastian Grazzini fit into the long-term picture? Which strikers can score and which can’t? The Fire is winless in its last nine games.

Next: Toronto FC, 6 p.m. Sunday at Toyota Park

— Orrin Schwarz