DC United vs Chicago Fire

Audi Field is the venue as DC United and Chicago Fire go head-to-head in a high-stakes Major League Soccer showdown. 

Three goals in the opening 20 minutes saw DC United beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 on the road last time out and halt an underwhelming five-game winless MLS streak (D3, L2). In doing so, Troy Lesesne’s side reduced the gap to ninth-placed New York City in the Eastern Conference to only three points, bolstering their hopes of returning to the post-season playoffs for the first time since 2023. However, United’s home form remains a source of concern, as they’ve only won two of their nine league outings at Audi Field this season (D4, L3), averaging under one goal per game! The sight of Chicago arriving could be a sight for sore eyes, considering the hosts are unbeaten in their last five H2Hs (W3, D2), even though four of those five meetings came on the road.

Chicago can at least take heart from holding DC United to a 2-2 draw in March’s reverse fixture. Their recent form suggests this could be a prime opportunity for Gregg Berhalter’s side to post their first win against the Washington outfit since June 2022, with the Fire winning five of their last six domestic matches (L1), including a stunning 3-1 win at more heavily fancied Orlando City in the previous round. However, the visitors have struggled with consistency on their recent MLS travels, with their last four away league games alternating between victories and defeats (W2, L2). Each produced over 3.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring contest.