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The Chicago Fire will look to extend their win streak to four matches when they host Toronto FC on Saturday night.
Chicago (15-11-6, 51 points) sits eighth in the Eastern Conference standings with two matches remaining, but the Fire could move as high as the top four if they win out and other results go in their favor. Getting to seventh or higher is crucial, as it means avoiding the play-in match.
The Fire officially clinched an MLS Cup playoff spot with a 5-3 win over Inter Miami on Tuesday, ending a seven-year postseason drought.
Chicago native Justin Reynolds scored the match-winning goal to secure the club’s 14th playoff appearance and first since 2017.
“We’re focused on more. I think it’s a great moment to enjoy right now, but it’s a quick turnaround,” Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said. “We need to play on Saturday again, and we want to keep climbing. For us, it’s a nice accomplishment, but we need to keep going and finish the regular season strong.”
Chicago picked up a 2-1 win at Toronto in March in the only other meeting between the sides this season.
Toronto FC (5-13-13, 28 points), who are officially eliminated from playoff contention, visit Chicago riding a seven-match unbeaten streak compiled exclusively through ties.
Djordje Mihailovic scored his first goal as a member of Toronto FC as they played Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw on Sept. 27.
The Reds have surrendered only six goals during the ongoing unbeaten streak.
“I think (we’ve been) on the same page,” Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson said. “Being accountable, and then we spent a lot of hours trying to get the defensive side right. I think it’s just a commitment to keeping the ball out of the back of the net, and I think it’s something to take pride in.”
Forward Theo Corbeanu paces Toronto with six goals in 29 matches.
–Field Level Media
