Charlotte FC v Chicago Fire: Visitors playing for pride after playoff elimination

Frank Klopas is keen for the Chicago Fire to end the season on a high note despite being eliminated from the playoff running, as they prepare to visit Charlotte FC on Wednesday.

A 1-1 draw with Toronto FC last weekend left Chicago on 30 points with two regular-season games remaining, bottom of the Eastern Conference and seven points adrift of the playoff picture.

They have now gone seven seasons in a row without making the playoffs, and with games against Charlotte and Nashville SC to come, are simply playing for pride.

"It's frustration because there was a slim chance and of course, you fight until the end," Klopas said. "Now that chance is gone and it's disappointing for all of us.

"But we're professionals and we have to regroup and finish strong. We have two games left and we have to go on the road and try to get a result to at least finish on a positive note."

Charlotte, on the other hand, occupy the East's final guaranteed playoff spot and boast a five-point cushion to their closest rivals after drawing 1-1 with Inter Miami last time out.

Dean Smith was delighted with the way they restricted Lionel Messi and company in that match, saying they had been working on an alternate gameplan for some time.

"We went there with a gameplan to restrict them centrally and make them go around the outside of us," Smith said.

"They got through a couple of times but our production with the ball was really good. I do still think there's more to come on that, small details, but it was a pretty open game.

"That's something we've been working on, building as a back three and being comfortable on the ball, and we caused them problems all night."

It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s ??????? to the rescue with the save of the match pic.twitter.com/UcOWZjeRDf

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) September 30, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang

Agyemang was limited to the role of substitute versus Miami but did score in Charlotte's last home game – a 4-0 thrashing of the New England Revolution.

His eight goals in MLS this year is a team-high tally and he will be desperate to reach double figures before the season ends.

Chicago Fire – Brian Gutierrez

Chicago's lack of firepower has cost them in the playoff race, with the Fire only netting once in their last three MLS matches. Gutierrez, who has created a team-high 39 chances this season, could come into their lineup and have a positive impact here.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Chicago have a simply terrible record on the road of late, losing five of their last six away matches in all competitions (one draw) including their last two in a row.

The Fire have lost six of their last eight away matches in MLS play since beating Toronto FC on June 16, and they also went down 1-0 to Charlotte on home soil in May.

With the visitors having little of substance to play for and Charlotte still looking over their shoulders in the playoff battle, the hosts go in as favourites.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 57.3%

Chicago Fire – 20.5%

Draw – 22.1%