Chicago Fire II have everything to play for on Sunday when they host Philadelphia Union II in their MLS Next Pro regular-season finale at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
A win over top-of-the-table Philadelphia would secure Fire II’s spot in the postseason for a second consecutive season, though the hosts can still qualify without a win and some results going in their favor.
Fire II put themselves in a position to control their own destiny after defeating Columbus Crew 2 1-0 on the road last weekend, giving the locker room confidence after collecting a crucial three points following a disappointing result against Orlando, according to Fire II captain David Poreba.
“It feels great, especially after coming off a really good road win in Columbus against a really good team,” Poreba told On Tap Sports Net. “It was an important win because we needed the points. So now we go into this last game with a chance to make the playoffs. We need at least two points to be guaranteed to make it, and then one or none would depend on other results.
“But obviously we're going into the game to win and get three points. The vibes are good and we're just excited to play this last game and win.”
Poreba, a native of Lake Zurich, took a winding path to Fire II. He signed with Stal Mielec in the top tier of Polish soccer as an 18-year-old and made two substitute appearances in the Ekstraklasa over a season and a half before joining Crown Legacy FC last year on-loan (he was on the bench for Charlotte FC after a couple of short-term agreements, too).
The now 21-year-old forward is back in a familiar spot in the Chicagoland area and his family in the US doesn’t have to scour the internet for Polish football streams, though his grandfather in Poland has had to adjust to watching his games on either Youtube or Apple TV+. He’s relishing the chance to play near home once again and would love to be playing nearby long-term.
“100% that's super important to me. Probably the most important thing is that they’re at every game, supporting me and watching every single road game as well. So that's huge for me and I love it. That's why I'd love to stay here long term, but we'll see.”
Poreba hit the ground running upon joining Fire II on-loan in the offseason and he is the Golden Boot leader in MLS Next Pro with 18 goals while also collecting two goals and an assist for his side in their US Open Cup run.
“This is probably the best I've ever felt in my career. I'm just confident because being the captain and being a leader, that’s a big role as well. And thanks to [Fire II head coach] Ludo [Taillandier] and the whole coaching staff for giving me that honor. So obviously I feel like I have to perform and back it up. But it's good. I feel really confident. And when you score goals, your confidence goes through the roof.”
Poreba and his Chicago Fire II side will need to have everything in order if they want to secure a postseason spot with a win over top-of-the-conference-table Philadelphia Union II.
“They're in first place for a reason. They're a very young team. They're made up of mainly younger players, younger Academy players that are super talented. They have a certain style that they play with,so we're gonna prepare for that. The two games that we have played with them, we won in PKs at home and then we lost in a close game away. So it's gonna be a really good game.”
Poreba is embracing that Fire II’s season comes down to one match on Sunday.
“It's a pretty surreal feeling. And I don't think anyone here feels nervous or anxious or whatever. We're gonna go into the game to try and get the job done.
“Hopefully we can get some supporters out too. That'd be nice because I know the first team doesn't play this week. So if we could have that happen, that'd be great. But regardless, we're gonna give our best to win this game.”
What’s On Tap Next?
Fire II will host Philadelphia Union II at SeatGeek Stadium on Sunday. The match is scheduled to kick off at noon CT and will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
Follow @soccer_ontap on X for more Chicago Fire news and updates!
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