Outside of MLS action, soccer fans get another chance to bet on soccer this week as the U.S. Open Cup returns with the quarterfinal round. The Chicago Fire were drawn at home against the Houston Dynamo in the quarterfinals. Both teams have been struggling in MLS play, but their game this week provides a chance to reach the Cup semifinals to face the winner from the West region.
The Fire are 4-time U.S. Open Cup champions, more than any other MLS team, but they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2006. The Dynamo won the title in 2018 and were upset in the round of 16 last summer.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC Information
Chicago Fire FC vs Houston Dynamo FC
Location of the game: SeatGeek Stadium. Bridgeview, IL.
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 6. 8:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch: CBS Sports
Recent Scores
In the U.S. Open Cup, Chicago started with a 3-0 win over Chicago House at home in the third round, then beat St. Louis City FC 2-1 in the fourth round. They went to Texas last month and knocked off Austin FC 2-0 in the round of 16.
The Dynamo also entered the U.S. Open Cup in the third round, and they won at USLC side Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0. Fans who like to bet on US soccer know that they hosted and beat Sporting KC 1-0 in the fourth round and then crushed Minnesota United FC at home 4-0 in the round of 16.
Chicago Fire
In MLS action, Chicago lost at FC Cincinnati on Saturday. They pulled off draws in their last two league games in May, 3-3 at New England and 0-0 in Toronto. They haven’t played at home since a 3-3 draw against Atlanta on May 20.
Houston Dynamo FC
Houston was crushed in St. Louis 3-0 on Saturday, their second straight loss in MLS play. The Dynamo fell at Vancouver 6-2 last Wednesday after beating Austin FC 2-1 on May 27. Allowing nine goals in their last two MLS games impacts the Chicago Fire vs Houston Dynamo FC prediction.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC Betting Preview
Chicago Fire Preview
The Fire have primarily used their regulars in the U.S. Open Cup instead of rotating in younger players. This was the case in the round of 16 win over Austin FC as Rafael Czichos scored the opening goal, and Kacper Przybylko came off the bench to score in the second half. Kendall Burks scored two goals in the win over Chicago House, while Maren Haile-Selassie and Fabien Herbers scored against St. Louis City FC.
The offense has been MIA in league games, and that will have an impact on their US Open Cup soccer odds. The Fire didn’t score in Cincinnati on Saturday, nor in Toronto on Wednesday. They have gone nearly 200 minutes without a goal as they head into this quarterfinal against the Dynamo.
However, the defense has been good, allowing just one goal in that same span. Goalkeeper Chris Brady was injured in Toronto and needed 14 stitches in his head. Spencer Richey started at Cincinnati and has started all of the cup games this season.
Houston Dynamo FC Preview
Houston also uses most of their regular lineup in cup games, knowing this is their route to a trophy and title this season. Except for goalkeeper Steve Clark, most of the lineup saw action in cup games either as starters or off the bench.
Thor Ulfarsson scored against Sporting KC, and Chris Baird netted a hat trick in the win over MUNFC. Baird also had an assist in the latter game as he provided the cross for Aliyu Ibrahim’s goal. Looking at the US Open Cup soccer standings, Baird’s three goals are the second-most overall and the most for any player still in the tournament.
Andrew Tarbell has been in goal for each of the cup wins. The long-time MLS goalkeeper has plenty of experience in big games. While he hasn’t started a league game yet this season, he has three clean sheets in the cup and should be the starter on Tuesday.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC Odds Breakdown
Before making a Chicago Fire vs Houston Dynamo FC prediction, the odds are significant.
Moneyline: The Fire are the favorite at -150, while the Dynamo are +380 on the moneyline. A draw is listed at +285 for the 90-minute line.
Over/Under Total: The over is set at 2.5 goals at -120 and the under 2.5 goals at -115.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC Pick and Prediction
Final Score Prediction: The Chicago Fire vs Houston Dynamo FC prediction is to back the home team to win.
The Fire will play in their former home in the suburbs instead of Soldier Field, and the intimate atmosphere gives them a substantial advantage. They won their previous two cup games in this venue, and Houston hasn’t won away from home since April 26. They haven’t knocked off an MLS team away from home since last season.
Pick: Chicago Fire 2, Houston Dynamo 1
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