MLS: Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution Preview

Chicago will host New England on Saturday from Toyota Park, and look to win their first game of the season. The Fire are 0-5-1 while the Revs are 2-1-3. Chicago sit 8th in the East, with 5 points through 6 games; New England sit 5th in the East with 7 points through 6 games.

New England has only managed four goals this season, and nobody has more than one goal to their name for the Revs. The acquisition of Teal Bunbury has not had a large effect, yet. Granted, the Revs are trying to replace Juan Agudelo, who left in the off-season for Stoke City of the Premier League. Diego Fagundez has also not had a stellar start to the season. He does not have goal 6 games into the year, after scoring 13 last season. The Revs are also playing with a new man in-goal. MLS veteran Matt Reis retired after last season, leaving the club with Bobby Shuttleworth as their new number 1.

Chicago, under new coach Frank Yallop, has yet to win a game this year. However, they have only lost 1 game of their 6. Mike Magee, who was MLS MVP last year, missed the first two games of the season, and is fighting to regain match fitness. Quincy Amarikwa has performed well in the absence of Magee, scoring 3 goals already in the young season. The real problem for the Fire is on the defensive side. They have given up 10 goals, which is tied for the second most in MLS. It will take time for new coach Frank Yallop to put his footprint on the team, and improve the defense.

So, here are a few bold predictions for the match.

Chicago will earn its first win of the year.

Yes, the Fire will finally win their first game of the year for the home fans at Toyota Park. It won’t be easy, but they have the offense to win.

Mike Magee will score at least one goal.

Mike Magee will get his season moving in the right direction with a much-needed goal on Saturday.

Chicago will give up at least 2 goals.

One of the leagues worst defense’s will not be better on Saturday, and will give up at least two goals to the offensively struggling Revs.

Teal Bunbury will score his first goal for the Revolution.

The former Kansas City forward will get his first goal for his new club against a loose defense.

Prediction: Chicago 3, New England 2

The match will be broadcast on NBCSN at 4 pm ET.