Scouting Report: Fire at New York on Friday
Fire scouting report
Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls, 7 p.m. Friday at Red Bull Arena
TV: Unimas
Scouting the Fire: The Fire (4-6-7, 19 points) will start the second half of the MLS season in a slump. It has gone its last five league games without a victory and got bounced from U.S. Open Cup play by second-division side Saint Louis FC. The Fire still hasn't won a road game this season, going 0-5-3. Djordje Mihailovic and Francisco Calvo will miss the game due to international duty. Johan Kappelhof and C.J. Sapong are listed as questionable due to injuries. A player to keep an eye on is midfielder Nico Gaitan, who appeared frustrated during the draw Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake and then left the locker room quickly after the game.
Scouting the Red Bulls: The Red Bulls (7-6-3, 24 points) will end a 20-day layoff for league matches with this game. New York has been tough at home, going 5-3-1 in league play, 2-0-1 in its last three. Forward Bradley Wright-Phillips is questionable with a groin injury. Derrick Etienne Jr., Kemar Lawrence, Aaron Long and Michael Amir Murillo will miss the match to represent their countries in the Gold Cup.
Next: vs. Atlanta United at 7 p.m. Wednesday at SeatGeek Stadium
- Orrin Schwarz