Off of the back of two consecutive 3-3 draws in MLS play, the Chicago Fire will be looking to take all three points against Toronto.
Both sides have struggled in the first half of this MLS campaign and have just three wins each. The two teams sit level on 16 points, the second-lowest point tally in the Eastern Conference.
While most of the Fire’s struggles thus far have come from injuries and a change in management, Toronto have been dealing with a dysfunctional locker room behind closed doors.
While all of this controversy and disarray has occurred within the Toronto camp, what has been made clear to the public is a feeling of disdain towards Bob Bradley and his managerial staff by players such as former Italian internationals Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne.
Bernardeschi, in particular, has publicly criticized Bradley and his coaching methods, which led to him being suspended by his manager for Toronto’s last game against D.C. United.
There is no report stating that Bernardeschi is further suspended for tonight’s match, but given his recent antics in the media, it is possible that he may not earn a start tonight.
On top of all of the mutiny from inside Toronto’s camp, the Canadian side is further plagued by a large list of injuries. Among those ruled out for tonight through injury are Victor Vázquez, Jonathan Osorio, Shane O’Neill, Adam’s Diomande, Alonso Coello, and Bob’s son and former USMNT captain, Michael Bradley.
Questionable inclusions for Toronto tonight include Sigurd Rosted and Brandon Servania.
For the Fire, the list of injured players has grown after Mauricio Pineda picked up a concussion against New England at the weekend. On top of Pineda’s injury, Jonathan Dean, Carlos Terán, Sergio Oregel Jr, and Chris Mueller all remain ruled out of tonight’s match.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Toronto FC
MLS Matchday 16 | Wednesday, May 31 | BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
Kickoff: 6:30 PM CST
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: 890 WLS-AM (English), TUDN 1200 AM (Spanish)
Commentators: Tyler Terens (play-by-play) and Devon Kerr (analyst)
