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Fire, Union seek win in vital Eastern Conference match

Aug 2, 2011 - 7:17 PM Bridgeview, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Fire will aim to jumpstart its season when it hosts the Philadelphia Union at Toyota Park on Wednesday night.

The Fire currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference with 18 points from 20 matches. If they have any hopes of making the Major League Soccer playoffs, they will need to start picking up points immediately.

Chicago could be buoyed by some new blood that has been injected into the team, as newcomers Dan Gargan and Pavel Pardo are available for selection.

It's been nearly two months since the Fire have recorded a regular season win, defeating the Columbus Crew 1-0 on June 12th in a hard-fought road match. Since then, they have gone 0-2-4 in league play.

In its last MLS match, the Fire dropped three points at home, losing to the Portland Timbers on July 16th.

Philadelphia also lost at home in its most recent outing, falling to the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at PPL Park on Friday.

After conceding two goals in the first half, Union head coach Peter Nowak brought Michael Farfan and Roger Torres on before the start of the second half to rejuvenate his side.

"The second half was much better, that's the team that wants to get forward and score goals," Nowak said. "But, if you are not going to compete from the minute the game starts, you are going to fall into a place you don't want to be in."

The Union have enjoyed an impressive sophomore season, spending most of 2011 in first place in the Eastern Conference. But Philadelphia was ousted from the top spot this weekend by Columbus, which defeated Real Salt Lake 2-0 on the weekend.

Getting three points against the Fire would see the Union share first place with the Crew, as both teams would have 34 points.

When Philadelphia and Chicago met on May 21st at PPL Park, the Union needed a brilliant 40-yard effort from forward Carlos Ruiz to earn a 2-1 victory over the Fire.

The Union will most likely be without Ruiz for the rematch, as Nowak stated after Friday's game that the Guatemalan international is set to leave the club.

"It's a tough business and part of the game, and we as players know that," Sebastien Le Toux told philadelphiaunion.com. "Of course, we're disappointed with the loss and with losing Carlos. He's a great player and will be missed. We wish nothing but the best for him and we hope he does his best to help his new club. It's tough, though."

Ruiz is still listed on the Union's roster and no official statement has been released by club regarding his departure.