The Fire, who have the fewest points in MLS with 27, will look to play the role of spoiler the rest of the way and build toward next year.
Jordan Morris netted a pair of goals as Sounders FC won a second consecutive match in a 4-2 victory against the LA Galaxy on Sunday afternoon at StubHub Center. Morris now has 12 goals for the season, the second-most in a single season by a rookie in MLS history; he’s scored in consecutive games with three goals in that span.
The Fire had their winless run extended to three games, starting a three-game road swing with a 4-1 loss at New York City FC on Friday evening at Yankee Stadium.
The Fire won the lone meeting between the teams a year ago, a 1-0 win July 11 at Toyota Park, their first win ever vs. Sounders FC in 11 matches all-time in all competitions.
Seattle won six of the first nine meetings all-time in league play, with three draws, including three victories in a row in the series before the Fire win last year. Sounders FC also won the 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final between the clubs.
TEAM NEWS
Forward Jordan Morris scored two goals in the 4-2 win over LA Galaxy and set a new rookie record for US-born players with his 12th goal of the season.
Chicago forward Luis Solignac scored his first goal since 20 August in the 4-1 loss to NYCFC.
Seattle Sounders
Suspended: Alonso
Doubtful: Evans (calf)
Injured/Unavailable: Kovar (clavicle), Dempsey (irregular heartbeat)
Chicago Fire
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Morrell (hamstring), de Leeuw (ankle)
Injured/Unavailable: Goossens (back), Lampson (toe)
MATCH PREVIEW
Seattle Sounders have finally come to life. The club are suddenly very much alive in the playoff race following their stunning 4-2 win at LA Galaxy. Seattle have three home games remaining and will try and take advantage of all of them.
The club has won their last three home games. Forwards Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro are playing tremendous football together. Morris has scored five goals in the last seven matches while Lodeiro has three goals and six assists in his nine games played since joining Seattle. The attack will surely continue to create opportunities, particularly at home.
Chicago meanwhile return to the road and will not be content. Chicago have an awful road record - 1W-2D-11L - and are fresh off a 4-1 defeat at NYCFC. Chicago have now allowed 10 goals in their last two road games.
Chicago’s confidence is not there and when rivals get one in, the club lowers their shoulders and expects more to follow, which they do. Chicago have a bit of an attack going to counter that but not enough to make up for the poor defending and overall poor quality. Chicago will not be able to deal with Lodeiro and Morris very well.
Seattle are too strong for a weak Chicago team to handle.
Seattle will win the match.
HEAD TO HEAD
Seattle lead the all-time league series with a record of 6W-3D-1L.
