Categories: Chicago

Chicago Fire make a late rally to make the playoffs

Chicago Fire is not having the best season but it looks as though they are saving their best for last. They had been struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference for most of 2019 season. It was certain that they would miss the postseason but recent display shows they could make the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Their chances of making the playoffs were boosted with a thumping 4-0 home win over FC Dallas on Saturday at SeatGeek Stadium. They have three games remaining in the regular season and are just three points below the playoff line. Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic is happy with the team’s performance.

The coach said, “I’m confident that if we win the three [matches] we have left, we’re going to qualify [for the playoffs] because we’ll also have other results. First, because this is football and the others face each other. And then, I believe in my luck and in the work we did throughout the year and last year even more. All of this sets you up for success in the end.”

Dallas had no answer to Chicago’s brilliant performance. CJ Sapong had scored two goals in the game. He was well supported by his teammates as Przemyslaw Frankowski and Nemanja Nikolic chipped in with the goals as well. Sapong shared his opinions about making the playoffs. He said, “There’s nine points left on the table and we want to get all nine points and be in the playoffs.”

Chicago is already in playoff mode as one defeat could end their season. Their next challenge is with the already eliminated FC Cincinnati next Saturday. Paunovic said “If we continue like this – and we’re going to continue like this – this team will keep fighting. The next game is a playoff game, which means winning and passing to the next round. And we’ll continue like this.”

Shawn Genzone

Senior writer at the Chicago Morning Star

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