March 16, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire defender Rafael Czichos (5 years old) and Montreal forward Sunusi Ibrahim (14 years old) in There was a battle for the ball in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Montreal hopes to extend their unbeaten streak to three games and keep their playoff hopes alive on Saturday against the visiting Chicago Fire.
Montreal (7-12-10, 31 points) currently sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, but is just two points shy of the MLS Cup playoff line.
Montreal erased a 2-0 halftime deficit to claw back a point in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with the New England Revolution.
“I thought they were impressive,” Montreal coach Laurent Courtois said. “Perfect? No. But they were impressive at covering gaps and compensating teammates, and the tracking of individual defense was impressive. And some great, high-quality moves.”
Sunusi Ibrahim has been outstanding for Montreal this season with six goals in 23 games, while Joseph Martinez has eight goals (five goals) in 18 games and 3 assists).
The season series between the two clubs concludes on Saturday. On March 16, Chicago and Montreal met in the Windy City. The Flames scored twice in 90 minutes and won 4-3.
The Flames (7 wins, 15 draws, 8 losses, 29 points) have won just one of their last six games (1 win, 4 draws, 1 loss) and enter Saturday's game in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Montreal. .
Chicago lost 1-0 to Nashville on Wednesday. With four games remaining, the Flames are four points below the playoff line.
“They scored, but we were still dominant throughout the second half. We had the ball, but the game has to be faster. When you have 10 guys behind the ball, you have to pass the ball faster,” Chicago coach Frank ·Klopas said.
“It's always difficult when you're on the road and you give up the first goal.”
Hugo Kuipers has a team-leading 10 goals in 29 games this season, while Brian Gutierrez has nine goals (6) in 28 games for Chicago. goals and 3 assists).
–Scene-level media