The Chicago Fire (2-0-6) might appreciate a chance of venue - or something - to remedy their constant pattern of draws. Anything that will break up the monotony of late. But they face a stiff Eastern Conference test when they hit the road for the next three games and take on Toronto FC (3-2-4) at 3 p.m. Saturday at BMO Field (game televised on My50).Chicago’s game plan is pretty clear-cut: Continue their relatively strong possession of the ball, finish a few more of their chances, and especially not allow a key defensive mishap. That has been the pattern, particularly in the past two games, which were 1-all draws against the Seattle Sounders and New England Revolution at Toyota Park.
Toronto is coming off a 3-all draw against D.C. United, but that would have been a victory if not for a Marvell Wynne hand ball in stoppage time. The Reds are the only team to beat Chivas USA this year and have not lost since April 19.
Toronto has a deeper and healthier roster to work with after food poisoning affected five players before the D.C. match. The Fire might not have defender Gonzalo Segares for a second straight game as he tries to heal his calf.
SlideTackles.net prediction: Is it out of line to simply chalk in another draw? That is the pattern. And the matchup Saturday looks incredibly balanced. This game carries plenty of weight to it as Toronto and Chicago battle among the top of the East.
The Reds want to make up for their hand ball mishap against D.C., and the Fire want to make up for their second straight blown lead. It’s difficult to fathom this not winding up in a draw, but Toronto does have the home-field advantage and a healthier status than the previous week. Toronto FC 2, Chicago Fire 1
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