PREVIEW – 2024 Leagues Cup: Chicago Fire vs. Toluca
After dropping the first game of their group play to Sporting Kansas City 2-1, the Fire find themselves in a challenging situation against Mexican club Toluca.
While it’s not necessarily ‘win or go home’ because we don’t know how Toluca vs SKC will work out, chances are the Fire needs all three points to likely pass OR two points and some help from the other group game.
The Fire can win two points by being tied at the end of the 90 and going on to win the penalty shootout.
Chicago finds themselves looking at a guaranteed early exit if they lose the game or only manage one point by losing in penalties, as that would mean Toluca has 2 points even if they lose against Sporting Kansas City.
A Look Into Toluca
Toluca is no weak link, to say the least. They currently are undefeated in Liga MX four games in, sitting 5th in the table with 8 points and only sitting two points away from first. The two wins were results against the weaker teams of the league (Mazatlan and Juarez), and the two ties came against Liga MX powerhouses Chivas and Cruz Azul. Even with the home-field advantage, most would agree the odds are against the Fire to earn themselves a win.
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The Mexican club has some well-known names, including Alexis Vega and Marcel Ruiz, both players who see the field for the Mexican national team. They have a great keeper in Volpi as well.
They come into the tournament with fresh legs, having only played a few games this season. Toluca also has the luxury of being the last team to play in the group, meaning they can catch the Fire with tired legs after Sunday’s game.
Obstacles for the Fire
Fire and other MLS teams are dealing with injuries and tired legs.
It was notable in the first game against SKC, as several Chicago Fire II players saw the field, and one of them, Jaylen Shannon, even earned a start in their MLS debut due to the current lack of defensive depth, most likely.
The CFII players did well, and fans hope to see more of them, so it’s not a bad thing that they saw the field – it just goes to show that the Fire is pretty thin in terms of depth right now. Cuypers and Shaqiri were not seen, and usual subs Koutsias and Barlow had to lead the attack.
Prediction
Despite the odds against the Fire, one shouldn’t be so quick to be pessimistic—MLS has dominated Liga MX as a whole this tournament.
It’s only been one game for most teams so that the tide could change, but let’s hope the Fire can continue the trend and get the three points.
With a strong lineup and home-field advantage, my prediction is 1-1 in regular time, with the Fire winning in penalties. This would put the Fire at two points and give them a chance to advance, depending on the SKC—Toluca game.
Cuypers should be back with fresh legs and will surely look dangerous—I say he’s my bet to score for the Fire.
PHOTO: Chicago Fire FC
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