Fire host Timbers in matchup of winless teams (Mar 29, 2018)

The Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers each will go for their first victory of the season when they meet Saturday evening at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

Chicago (0-2-0) has lost by one goal apiece to Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United in its first two contests. The Fire have scored four goals but given up six, which is the worst rate in the league.

Portland (0-2-1) lost its first two games against the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls before playing FC Dallas to a 1-1 draw last Saturday. The Timbers have been outscored 7-2 in their first three matches.

"(We need to) make sure that we can repeat what we saw in Dallas from a fundamental and a discipline standpoint," Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese told the team's official website. "Sometimes you play well, sometimes you don't play well, but I think the mentality should always be strong in every match."

Sebastian Blanco has scored both of the Timbers' goals this season. Fanendo Adi has two assists.

Chicago is led by forward Nemanja Nikolic, who has two goals in his first two games. Elliot Collier and Aleksandar Katai also have scored for the Fire. Meanwhile, Matt Polster, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Brandon Vincent have notched one assist apiece.

Nikolic returned to Chicago this week following a set of international games with Hungary.

"It was a long trip," Nikolic told the team's official website. "We played two games. It's always good to go back home, to play for the national team. We didn't play so good, we lost both games, but in soccer you don't have time to lose.

"Immediately, I have a game against Portland. I hope after a good result against Portland, everybody will be in a good mood. We're waiting for that first win in our home pitch and in this season, also. I'm looking forward to the game."

The Fire will honor Nikolic before the game as he is presented the MLS Golden Boot trophy for leading the league in goals last season with 24. The trophy will be on display in the stadium during the game.

Portland received a spark when midfielder Diego Chara rejoined the starting lineup against FC Dallas. Chara, a 31-year-old from Colombia, quickly impressed coaches and teammates.

Asked about Chara's impact on the team, Savarese grinned.

"Do you have time until tomorrow?" Savarese said, drawing laughter. "He's a fantastic player. He's a great leader. He brings so much to the team, and it was fantastic to see him back.

"But I think the important part is we cannot rely on only one player. (The last match) wasn't only Diego working, it was everyone that contributed to have a good match. That's what we want to see."

The teams played to a 2-2 draw in their only meeting of the season last year in Portland. Adi and Blanco scored for the Timbers, while Arturo Alvarez and Vincent scored for the Fire.

Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said he looked forward to seeing his team after an off week.

"We are approaching this game as a brand-new start for us," he said.