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Fire-United Preview

Jun 12, 2009 - 5:44 PM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

Chicago (5-2-6) at D.C. (4-2-7), 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Chicago Fire are leading the Eastern Conference despite some less-than-impressive play at home, including losses in their last two games.

Their performance on the road has more than made up for it.

The Fire seek their fourth straight win away from home Saturday night when they visit D.C. United, who have yet to lose in the nation's capital and can overtake Chicago atop the East with a victory.

Two weeks ago, the Fire (5-2-6) had a chance to tie the 1996 Los Angeles Galaxy and the 2000 Kansas City Wizards for the league's longest unbeaten start by earning a point in 12 consecutive games. Chicago, however, was dominated by woeful FC Dallas in a 3-0 home loss May 31.

The Fire faced a far tougher opponent June 5 at Toyota Park, and an early goal from the opposition held up. Houston's Stuart Holden scored in the fourth minute - his team's only shot on goal in the game - and the Dynamo handed Chicago its second straight defeat, 1-0.

The Fire are 0-2-3 at home since a 1-0 victory over New York on April 5.

"When we're at home, we seem to have one bad play and the other team penalizes us for that," coach Denis Hamlett said. "When you make bad mistakes, teams that come here will capitalize on that. No different from when we go on the road."

Chicago hasn't made many mistakes on the road, where it's a league-best 4-0-3. The Fire have scored 15 road goals in seven matches away from home, as opposed to just five in six home games.

They only scored once in their first trip to RFK Stadium to face D.C. United (4-2-7). D.C's Luciano Emilio scored in the seventh minute of United's home opener March 28, but Patrick Nyarko's second-half goal enabled the Fire to walk away with a 1-all draw.

United had their seven-match unbeaten streak snapped May 30 with a 2-1 loss at New England, but bounced back June 4. Second-year goalkeeper Josh Wicks - not projected to see much time prior to the season - made his third straight start and posted his second shutout, making five saves to help D.C. beat New York 2-0.

"He's doing a great job," said striker Jaime Moreno, who scored his MLS-leading 126th career goal. "He played good tonight again. That's what happens when you work hard and you have that mentality of being the No. 1."

Wicks may feel added pressure to keep the Fire off the board Saturday, when United will play without its leading scorer. Emilio received a red card from the bench moments after being subbed off in the 63rd minute against the Red Bulls. The Brazilian had thrown a water bottle after making his way off the field.

One of Chicago's leading scorers won't start, but may play. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who has three goals and five assists, will likely only be used as a late-game sub after playing 90 minutes Wednesday in Mexico's World Cup qualifier.

Fire defender Bakary Soumare will miss the match due to a suspension.