Sep 21, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz (20) battles for position with Columbus Crew midfielder Tony Tchani (6) at Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
A massive clash at Crew Stadium is on tap as Gregg Berhalter’s Columbus Crew tangle with Frank Yallop’s Chicago Fire on Saturday at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Crew are currently 3-4-4 (12 points), while Chicago are 2-2-6 (12 points). Both teams will need a victory to chase the teams in the top five of the MLS Eastern Conference.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s match between the Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire.
1. At least 30 fouls and three cards
This should be a game in which there is some chippiness, but not a lot. The MLS Multiplex expects at least 30 fouls whistled and three cards issued.
2. Sean Johnson with at least five saves
Goalkeeper Sean Johnson leads the Fire in saves with 27 this season. Against Columbus, Johnson will make at least five, so this will be a big day.
3. Here comes Harry Shipp
This season, Harry Shipp has three goals this year, and Shipp will add another one to his total on Saturday against Columbus. Shipp will also record an assist.
4. Mike Magee does it again
Perhaps one of the biggest snubs from the World Cup roster for the USA outside of Eddie Johnson is that of Mike Magee. Magic Mike has four goals and two assists and the Nats’ loss is the Fire’s gain. Look for Magee to score here.
5. Quincy Amarikwa delivers for Chicago
This season, Quincy Amarikwa leads the Fire in goals scored with five. Amarikwa will score late for the Fire against the Crew.
6. Steve Clark with under five saves
It will be a quiet night for Crew netminder Steve Clark, who leads Columbus in saves with 35. Against Chicago, Clark will record under five saves.
7. Federico Higuain will score for Columbus
Federico Higuain leads the Columbus Crew in scoring with six goals and three assists. A proven leader, Higuain will lead the way with a goal and an assist against Chicago.
8. Jairo Arrieta will score for the Crew
Jairo Arrieta is tied with Bernardo Anor for Columbus’s second leading goalscorer with two goals this season. Arrieta will make things a bit close with his third goal of the year.
9. No goals or assists for Hector Jimenez
While Hector Jimenez’s play will prove crucial for the Crew’s chances, he will not get on the score sheet in this match. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that there will be no goals or assists for Jimenez.
10. Great game leads to big win for Chicago
This will be an exciting game full of great goals and action. The MLS Multiplex is calling for the Chicago Fire to eke this one out and secure a huge morale-boosting victory.
Chicago Fire 3, Columbus Crew 2