Paunović: Draw at LAFC is positive start to "important week" for Fire

Just over two months ago, the Chicago Fire kicked off their 2019 MLS campaign with a visit to the LA Galaxy, performing well and taking a 1-0 lead but ultimately falling 2-1 to a Galaxy side that presently sits second in both the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings.

On Saturday, the Men In Red were back in Southern California, this time to face the only team above the Galaxy in the league and conference table. Los Angeles FC -- under the stewardship of Fire and U.S. coaching great Bob Bradley -- had consistently made light work of their opponents at home in 2019, winning five times in five games with a +10 goal differential (14-4). But unlike against the Galaxy and in recent…