Preview: Toronto FC vs Chicago Fire

In a new MLS matchday, Toronto FC will visit Chicago Fire during this crucial stretch of the season. TFC hopes to have a standout performance, despite the recent disappointment of losing the Canadian Championship final.

The team aims to reaffirm its high level of play, as it continues to fight for a spot in the MLS playoffs in the Eastern Conference. With John Herdman at the helm, Toronto FC hopes to return to the postseason after several years of absence, and ultimately restore its prominence.

READ MORE: John Herdman's Statements After Losing the Canadian Championship Final

A Competitive History Between Toronto FC and Chicago Fire

These two teams have already faced each other earlier this season in what was an exciting match, although Toronto FC unfortunately suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Chicago Fire. This took place in June when the season was already well underway.

Now, as the season nears its end, they will meet again. Toronto FC enters this match in better form compared to Chicago Fire, which currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. TFC is in 8th place with 36 points, while Chicago Fire is in 14th place with 29 points.

With Chicago Fire nearly out of playoff contention, Toronto FC is the favorite to win this match and return to form after two recent MLS defeats—against Columbus Crew and Colorado Rapids. These losses came during a period when Toronto FC was also focused on the Canadian Championship final, which ended in a heartbreaking loss in a penalty shootout.

Looking at the history between these two teams over their last five encounters, Chicago Fire has been dominant, winning three, while Toronto FC has won one, and one match ended in a draw. These recent years have been tough for TFC in this rivalry, but the team hopes to turn things around this time.

Led by key players like Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC looks to bounce back after the painful loss in the Canadian Championship final and push for a spot in the MLS playoffs.