Our prediction for this MLS match:
DC United and Chicago Fire square off against each other at Audi Field in a highly-anticipated Major League Soccer game. The capital club suffered a dip in form, with the team losing each of their last three league matches, but they are still in the race for the playoffs. Despite failing to find the net in a 3-1 loss to Philadelphia Union, former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke will continue leading the line for the hosts. Both Mohanad Jeahze and Martin Rodriguez are out of contention with injuries for the home team.
Chicago Fire are on a three-game losing run in the MLS as well, meaning that the lack of confidence could prove to be a big problem for the visiting side. Since Xherdan Shaqiri and Co. have already suffered seven defeats on the road this term, we are tempted to put our money on the hosts. Gaston Gimenez is back from suspension, while both Javier Casas and Chris Mueller remain in the treatment room.
Highlighted Player (Xherdan Shaqiri):
Another impressive player who emigrated to Switzerland, Xherdan Shaqiri is a midfielder with excellent technical qualities, very strong in taking players on and creating chances for his teammates, while also being a danger from set pieces. The Serbian-born footballer formed an excellent midfielder pairing with Granit Xhaka at FC Basel, before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012.
Shaqiri went on to prove a great deal of potential at Allianz Arena, scoring 11 goals in 52 Bundesliga matches, but he decided to leave in search of first team football, first joining Inter Milan and then moving to Stoke City. It was at Britannia Stadium that the attacking midfielder rediscovered his form and if he continues playing at such a high level, it won’t be long before he returns to the biggest stage.
Even when he was not playing regularly at club level, Shaqiri would always reserve his best performances for the national team, as witnessed by 17 goals in first 50 caps. The midfielder was especially impressive at the 2014 World Cup finals, where he scored no fewer than three goals.
Highlighted Team (DC United):
D.C. United have been participating in the Eastern Conference of the MLS since 1996. The capital club play their home games at RFK Stadium Washington and they are nicknamed the Black and Red. D.C. United won their fourth MLS Cup in 2004 and in 1998 the club clinched the Copa Interamericana trophy by beating Vasco da Gama of Brazil in the title game.
The Black and Red won the Eastern Conference on five occasions (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004) and, as a result, they are regarded as one of the most successful clubs in the history of MLS.
Andy Najar, Eddie Pope, Jaime Moreno, John Harkes, Ryan Nelsen, Christian Gomez, Nick Rimando, Richie Williams, Clyde Simms, Tony Sanneh, Marco Etcheverry and Santino Quaranta are some of the club’s most famous players. Speaking of D.C. United fans, the club has four big supporters groups: La Norte, La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles and La Norte and the club’s mascot is Talon, the bald eagle.