Can my hopes please be dashed again?

or, why I stopped worrying and learned to love home losses.

I’ll keep it short, as I have a date with a pick-up game and a lake. Today we’re playing the Chicago Fire at Empire, a game I likely won’t be able to watch. It is probably one of the remaining games this season where we have a sliver of a chance of winning.

Our current record, 2W-11L-9D, is very poor. The worst, even. Chicago’s record is only slightly better, at 2W-6L-13D. Both teams have scored 21 goals, while Chicago have allowed eight fewer, 26 to our 34. And, they’ve managed a win (and six draws) on the road this season.

There is no way to look at this match-up and not be both hopeful and depressed. Hopeful because Chicago are the worst team we’ll face over the remainder of the season (12 games left for us) and depressed because our numbers are just dreadful, even when compared to the second-worst team in MLS.

If we don’t win this one, we’re facing a difficult 11 game run-in to the end of a two-win season, which would be the worst record in MLS history. The fewest wins so far in MLS has been four; we still face Portland twice and… that’s it. Those are the only games that look winnable. DC haven’t been great at home, but we’re shit on the road. With a little luck we could pull a win out against Seattle at home, New York on the road maybe.

So, gentlemen, this is it: Win today and we have a chance at just equalling the worst record in MLS. Lose or draw and we’re likely facing the ignominious fate of posting a new record for fewest wins in MLS history. Ugh.

Whitecaps

The big news is that Thorrington is set to return. Not sure why that’s big news, but I guess you work with what you got. I expect we’ll see him in for Vagenas around the 60th or so. Jarju is away on international duty, but to be honest, he hasn’t done much in the two games he’s played and I’m fine with our other attacking players getting more playing time together. DeMerit is probable, as is Chiumiento.

Fire

Contrary to their woeful record, Chicago have some quality players that can hurt us. Marco Pappa has been tearing up the middle of the pitch, at times a lonely figure in a sea of mediocrity, but new signing Pável Pardo adds some quality as well. They have some speed, which will be a challenge to Boxall at the back. USL fans may remember midfielder Daniel Paladini, ex of the Carolina Railhawks, now a regular starter for the Fire.

Prediction

I’m going to go out on a limb and predict a home draw, 1-1. Surprise me, boys, and get that elusive third victory!

Technical details

Kick-off is 4pm. Watch on Sportsnet Pacific, listen on 1410 or teamradio.ca, or better yet, head down to Empire. Pretty sure you could grab a ticket at the box office or from a sad fan.

Category: Match preview