Osorio Ready For Chicago Return

This weekend's game between the New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire will be a key clash between two clubs that have their sights set on the playoffs. But more than that, it will mark the return of head coach Juan Carlos Osorio from the Big Apple to the city that he abruptly left last December - which more than likely will see the Chicago fans giving him an earful.
"That comes with the territory," said Osorio. "Fans are entitled to their opinions but I helped that club move forward. We turned things around and were one game away from the final.

"I'm not a sentimental guy. I'm passionate about what I do but there won't be any different emotions about this game. I have said in the past that I will always be thankful to the club for giving me the opportunity to come back and coach in MLS."

Chicago currently sits third in the Eastern Conference with 35 points, while New York is in a tie for fourth with 32 points. While both teams would make the postseason if the season ended today, only the top three spots in each conference are absolutely guaranteed, making the game just a little more important.

Due to MLS' refusal to schedule around FIFA international dates, neither team will be full-strength, both dealing with international absences: Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Mexico), Gonzalo Segares (Costa Rica), and Marco Pappa (Guatemala) will be missing from the Fire lineup, while Jorge Rojas (Venezuela) and Andrew Boyens (New Zealand) will not be with New York.