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Winless sides collide as Chicago meets Montreal

Apr 11, 2014 - 8:56 PM Montreal, QC (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Fire and Montreal Impact are both searching for their first victory of the season ahead of their meeting at Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

The 2014 campaign has gotten off to a frustrating start for both sides as they have combined for six draws in their first 10 games, without either side collecting a win.

The match will also mark the first for Montreal head coach Frank Klopas against his former team as Klopas spent the previous three seasons in Chicago before moving to Montreal.

Following a season-opening loss to Chivas USA, the Fire has drawn its last four games, including a 2-2 deadlock with the Philadelphia Union last weekend.

Chicago needed a goal in the 86th minute from Juan Luis Anangono to level the contest at 2-2, but the club will be disappointed to have not claimed three points as Mike Magee had a stoppage-time penalty kick saved by Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath.

Despite the result, Fire defender Lovel Palmer still found reasons to be pleased with the outcome.

"Whether I've been on the pitch or having to watch from the stands, it says a lot," said Palmer, who returned from a two-game suspension to feature against the Union. "Those points will add up, we missed the playoffs by one point last season. The fighting spirit of this team is awesome, every single time I play with this team I've seen improvement and I'm excited about what's to come."

The immediate future for the Fire sees the club travel to Montreal, which is coming off of back-to-back draws following a three-game losing streak to start the season.

Andres Romero put Montreal ahead with a fifth-minute goal against Red Bull New York, but after a pair of Red Bull goals before halftime, Felipe Martins netted the equalizer on the hour mark to give his side a share of the spoils.

Through five games, Montreal sits on the bottom of the Eastern Conference with two points, but midfielder Hassoun Camara doesn't feel his team is overly concerned with their current position.

"No panic for us at all. We started the game well. There may have been a spell of 10 minute where we may have lacked some focus and they scored, but we played a good game for most of the game," Camara said following the draw with New York. "We have a great group and a lot of talent and I am excited to see where we are at the end of the season. I am very confident in this group."

Like Klopas, Montreal midfielder Justin Mapp spent time in Chicago from 2003-10 and he knows that Saturday's match will be difficult, especially the challenged posed by Fire forward Mike Magee.

"It'll be a hard fought game. All games in this league are tough. They've tied a few games this year and are always a tough team to play against. Mike Magee is back in there, finding his form, so it'll be a tough game," Mapp said.