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After two bye weeks in the first 5 weeks of the season, the Chicago Fire are experiencing their first crowded run of games in the month of May, as they prepare this week to wrap up 3 games in 8 days. While their Friday night match in Los Angeles against Chivas USA resulted in a 2-1 win, Chicago is sure to face a far tougher test this week as they take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, followed by Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. Both matches are sure to not only test the Fire's abilities, but their much touted depth as well.
Chicago travels to the City of Angels this week to face Chivas USA in their only trip to LA during the regular season. The Fire are still stinging from last weekend's loss to Seattle Sounders, and will be without sophmore central defender Jalil Anibaba and head coach Frank Klopas, both suspended as a result of their actions in the moments following Saturday's emotional match.
Chicago's had a busy week following their 3-2 win over Toronto FC last Saturday. On Thursday the Fire announced the signing of Brazilian 23-year old midfielder Alex, who will join the team upon the June 27th transfer window opening. Fire fans may remember Alex from preseason camp, when the playmaking central mid debuted in two matches for the Fire, making a positive impression on all who were able to watch him play. In addition to the previous week's signing of Chris Rolfe, it's apparent as the team heads into the weekend preparing to face Seattle that Frank Klopas is not afraid to shake up his roster and continue making moves to solidify the 2012 squad.
On what turned out to be a cool, but otherwise nearly perfect evening at Toyota Park, Chicago Fire welcomed Seattle Sounders to town as they celebrated their annual "Fire Goes Green" initiative. While it may have been coincidence that the Fire's eco-friendly event coincided with bringing one of the only green teams in the league to town, there was no mistake when it came to Chicago's desire to end their winless streak against the Sounders. Unfortunately things would not fall in Chicago's favor, as they remained winless against Seattle, falling 2-1 in front of 14,166.
Chicago traveled north of the border once again this season, this time to face Toronto FC, in what some coined as a "must-win" for either side. Chicago, who've gone through two bye weeks in the first two months of the season, have been able to collect little momentum, and for many throughout the league the jury's still out on just how good they are (or are not). For Toronto, Saturday presented itself with perhaps their best chance at gathering points, but in the end, Chicago would prevail as the Men in Red would best TFC by a final score of 3-2.
