With no playoffs to prepare for, both the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire will aim to end their respective disappointing seasons on a positive note.
Each side will look to close the 2022 campaign with a second straight victory when they meet Sunday in Bridgeview, Ill.
A season ago, New England (10-12-11, 41 points) posted a record 73 points to win the Supporters’ Shield. Now it’s become the eighth team in league history to miss the playoffs a year after claiming the Shield.
However, the Revs snapped a three-game skid with last weekend’s 2-1 home victory over Atlanta United FC. New England last won consecutive matches to open August.
“Where we end the season is nobody’s fault but our own,” Revolution coach Bruce Arena said.
“You could roll over and die the last few games of the season, and the fact that they came out and fought (against Atlanta) says a lot about the character of the group. It’s encouraging as we hit the offseason in another week, and we plan for 2023.”
New England is amid a 3-0-4 stretch against Chicago (10-15-8, 38 points) after the teams played to a scoreless draw in Massachusetts on Aug. 31. However, the Fire got back on track after back-to-back defeats to win 3-2 at FC Cincinnati last weekend.
Chicago last won consecutive league matches in mid-July.
“We want to win this game but make sure that we finish strong and give a good showing,” Fire coach Ezra Hendrickson said. “The guys are in a mode that that’s very possible.”
With starting goalkeeper Gaga Slonina in concussion protocol, fellow homegrown Chris Brady will be in the Fire net on Sunday. Meanwhile, Chicago rookie Jhon Duran will try to stay hot after recording five of his team-high eight goals in his last four league matches.
New England’s Gustavo Bou snapped a six-game MLS goal drought with his team-leading eighth vs. Atlanta. Carles Gil assisted on that goal and needs one more to become the first Revs player with at least 15 assists in two seasons after posting 18 in 2021.
–Field Level Media
