Our prediction for this MLS match:
Chicago Fire and Atlanta United square off against each other at Soldier Field in the closing match of Saturday’s program. Chicago Fire are eyeing their fourth consecutive league win, and a triumph over Atlanta could see them climb to the playoffs berth. A man to watch in the home team will be Xherdan Shaqiri, who scored the opener in a 3-1 triumph over Vancouver, while all Jhon Espinoza, Wyatt Omsberg, and Stanislas Ivanov remain in the recovery room.
The Five Stripes, on the other hand, head into the match with a severely-weakened squad, which is yet another reason why home win should be considered. You should bear in mind that all Alonso, Castanheira, Guzan, Robinson, Lennon, Hyndman, and Hernandez are out of contention with injuries, while there are no suspended players in the away side ahead of the trip to Chicago.
Highlighted Player (Francisco Calvo):
Francisco Calvo is a product of Sarprissa football academy. The Costa Rica international started his senior career at his homeland club Herediano, playing as a defender. Calvo played for the likes of Perez Zeledon, Nordsjaelland, Santos and Sarprissa before joining Minnesota United in 2017 and it has to be noted that he made his MLS debut on March 4, 2017 in a 5-1 loss to Portland Timbers.
The Costa Rica defender quickly proved his worth in the Major League Soccer and in 2018 he was selected as an MLS All-Star, becoming the first ever Loons player to receive the honour. As for his international career, Francisco Calvo made his Costa Rica debut on July 2, 2011 in a Copa America loss to Colombia.
The Minnesota United man is used as both centre and left back and his preferred foot is left. Calvo was born in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, on July 8, 1992.
Highlighted Team (Atlanta United):
Atlanta United is a Major League Soccer club and they were founded on April 16, 2014. They are based in Atlanta, Georgia and they will make their debut in MLS in 2017. Arthur Blank is the club’s owner and Bobby Dodd Stadium is Atlanta United’s home ground.
Arthur Blank is an American businessman, who is well known for his ownership of the NFL club Atlanta Falcons. The venue was opened on September 27, 1913 and its’ current capacity is 60.316. However, it has to be noted that the team will play first eight home games of the 2017 season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, while the latter nine fixtures will be hosted by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Speaking of the club’s colors, Atlanta United footballers wear black and red shirts and black shorts with a little bit of gold mixed in. Gerardo Martino, who used to be in charge of La Liga side Barcelona in the past, will coach Atlanta United in the 2017 MLS season. Tata Martino won the Spanish Super Cup with Barca, while making it to the Copa America final with Argentina on two occasions (2015, 2016).