Preview of Game 10 - DC United vs Chicago Fire

United is on a six game unbeaten streak, 4-2-0 (W-D-L), including last week's 4-2 drubbing of NYRB. DC is 3-1-1 at home this season with a +2 goal differential. DC United is in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, 6 points behind NYRB with 2 games in hand. They are in 7th place in the Supporter's Shield race, 8 points behind FC Dallas. FC Dallas has played four more games than United at this point, however.

Chicago comes to DC with only one win since April (1-1-5). Chicago is 1-1-3 on the road with a -6 goal differential. Like United, The Fire is in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, 6 behind NYRB, and in 7th place in the Supporter's Shield race with 2 games in hand.

While this rivalry doesn't have the same venom as the DC-NY matchups, this is arguably the most competitive series in United history. United looks to extend their season best results streak to seven games against a Chicago team looking for direction. Moreno will be with Bolivia for the next four games at a minimum and Boswell is out due to his double yellow last week, so changes are afoot. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Kpene, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, McTavish, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins in the same 4-4-2 formation. Casal, Dyachenko and Moose should get in during the second half. Look for United be very aggressive early after last week's offensive output. If Kpene is fit, I see him notching his first goal and solidifying his place as Moreno's replacement.

Prediction:

DC United 3:0 Chicago Fire