MLS-leading Red Bulls focus on porous Fire

(Photo by: Kareem Elgazar/Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK)

The New York Red Bulls look to extend their lead in the MLS standings when they host the Chicago Fire on Saturday in Harrison, N.J.

The Red Bulls (4-1-2, 14 points) lead the league in points despite a busy early schedule. New York is 2-1-2 on the road, including a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati last Saturday.

Yuya Kubo's goal in the third minute gave Cincinnati an immediate advantage, but Frankie Amaya tied it 16 minutes later. Dante Vanzeil then scored the winning shot in the 60th minute to complete a comeback for New York.

Last weekend's win may have carried a little extra emphasis for New York, as FC Cincinnati eliminated the Red Bulls from last season's MLS Cup playoffs. Head coach Sandro Schwartz now wants his team to play with the same quality against the Fire, and to “stay focused, have the energy, the atmosphere, the confidence to get the ball in any situation.” There is.

Chicago (2-3-2, 8 points) is also coming off a win with a 2-1 home win over the Houston Dynamo last Saturday. It was perhaps the Fire's best performance thus far in a volatile season.

Team captain Xherdan Shaqiri said: “We know we are not perfect right now, but we will continue to work hard. The most important thing is to remain humble.” “Work hard every day, accumulate these three points and aim for as many wins as possible.”

Brian Gutierrez wasn't in the starting lineup against Houston, but he came off the bench and scored the winning goal in the 78th minute. Gutierrez leads the Fire with three goals this season.

Firefighter Carlos Teran is available after serving a one-match suspension for a red card. Andrew Gutman will miss seven consecutive games with a foot injury.

The Fire and Red Bulls have both scored 11 goals in seven games, but New York has the advantage defensively. Chicago's 14 points allowed are the most of any Eastern Conference team.

The Red Bulls are 2-0-0 at home and the Fire are 0-2-2 on the road.

–Field level media