Perhaps a matchup with the short-handed Vancouver Whitecaps is just what the Chicago Fire need to advance into the knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament near Orlando, Fla.
The Fire eye a victory to make that happen while concluding Group D play against the Whitecaps on Thursday morning at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
Currently third in the group with three points, Chicago (1-2-1) can move up to second - ahead of Seattle (four points in the group) - with a victory in this contest. The Fire opened this World Cup-style tournament with a 2-1 win over the Sounders, then lost 2-0 against San Jose on Sunday to leave themselves with destiny in their own hands.