Our prediction for this MLS match:
Soldier Field will host Saturday’s football game between Chicago Fire and Dallas, the two teams who defeated Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers respectively before the international break. Chicago are eyeing their third consecutive MLS win, but this game will be anything but a walk in the park for the home team. Xherdan Shaqiri is back from international duty, while there are no fresh injury worries in the home team.
The Toros, on the other hand, head into the match following back-to-back wins over Nashville and Portland Timbers. Dallas, though, are not regarded as good travelers, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. A man to watch in the away team will be talented attacker Jesus Ferreira, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 crushing of Portland. Nicky Fernandez misses the match with a foot injury, but he should be the only absentee in the away side.
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 (FC Dallas):
Despite making it to the 2010 MLS Cup final, Dallas eventually failed to win the domestic trophy. The Toros (Bulls) were beaten by Colorado in the final played at BMO Field in Toronto and you should bear in mind that the Rapids scored the winner in the extra time.
That was the first and only time Dallas participated in the MLS Cup final, but in 2016 the club won the Supporters’ Shield and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Toros play their home games at Toyota Stadium, the venue that was opened in August, 2005. The stadium’s original name was Pizza Hut Park, but in September 2013 it was renamed as Toyota Stadium after Pizza Hut Park left as a main sponsor.
FC Dallas wear red shits with white stripes when playing at home, while their secondary colors are white and blue. Former Ajax and River Plate ace Mauro Rosales, who joined the Toyota Stadium outfit in 2016, is regarded as one of the club most significant stars.