At 7:30 PM on Saturday, August 24th, the 14th place Chicago Fire will take on the 5th place New York City FC. This match will be played at Citi Field in New York, NY. The line for a Chicago win is sitting at +350 compared to -143 for a New York City victory. The payout for a draw is currently +300, and the over/under goal line is 2.5 goals. New York City has drawn their last three matches and is 11-9-5 on the season, while Chicago is 6-12-7.
Chicago Fire vs. New York City Matchup At A Glance
- Teams: Chicago Fire at New York City
- Where: New York, NY at Citi Field
- Date: Saturday, August 24th
- Betting Odds NYC -143 | CHI +350 O/U 2.5
Chicago Fire Preview
The Chicago Fire head into this match against New York City sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 6-12-7 and have struggled on the road, going just 2-7-4. Over their last three matches, they have gone 1-1-1, with their only win coming against FC Cincinnati. Following this match, they will return home to take on Inter Miami CF on September 1st.
The Chicago Fire have scored 1.2 goals per match this season, which is 23rd in MLS. They have scored less than their season average in four straight matches. Hugo Cuypers is their top scorer, as he has found the back of the net nine times this season. He is also 13th in MLS in shots on goal. Fabian Herbers leads the team in assists and is third on the club in goals scored.
Over their last seven matches, the Chicago Fire defense has been up and down. They have given up four goals to Orlando City SC and three goals to the Philadelphia Union, but they have also posted two clean sheets, including one against New York City FC. Overall, they are 20th in goals allowed this season, giving up 1.7 goals per match. They are also 25th in blocked shots and 2nd in interceptions. Christopher Brady is 21st in clean sheets this season.
New York City Preview
Through 25 matches, New York City has a record of 11-9-5, putting them in 5th place in the Eastern Conference. They have been on a draw streak, going 3 straight matches without a win. Overall, they have been better at home, going 8-3-1, compared to 3-6-4 on the road. In matches where they are favored, they have gone 8-4-1, while they are just 3-5-4 when they are the underdog. After this match, they will head on the road to take on the Columbus Crew on August 31st. Over their last 7 matches, they have gone 2-2-3. In the standings, they are 3 points behind the Colorado Rapids and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The New York City attack has been led by Santiago Rodríguez, who is 31st in MLS with eight goals. Rodríguez also leads the club in shots on goal, as he is 28th in the league in that category. Hannes Wolf is the club's leader in assists, as he is 20th in MLS with six. He is also second on the club with five goals. Overall, New York City is 15th in MLS in goals scored, and they are 17th in passing percentage.
Heading into their match against the Chicago Fire, the New York City defense is currently 4th in the MLS in goals allowed per match at 1.2. Over their last six matches, they have given up seven goals, which is right at their season average. They have been able to keep two clean sheets over that stretch, but they have also given up two goals to both Orlando City and Atlanta United. Overall, they have the 12th most blocked shots and the 23rd most interceptions in the league. Keeper Matt Freese is 2nd in the MLS in saves and has five clean sheets this season.
Chicago Fire vs. New York City Head To Head
In the only meeting between these two teams this season, New York City and Chicago played to a 0-0 draw. Both teams had one shot on goal in that match.
Chicago Fire vs New York City Free Pick
Given that New York City is 4th in goals allowed and our projections have them taking five shots on goal compared to just two for Chicago Fire, we like New York City to win by a score of 2-1 at -143. Taking a look at the projections, Maxi Moralez is New York City's best bet to score a goal. As for Chicago, look for Xherdan Shaqiri to find the net.
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Pick: New York City -143
