Fire hopes to continue its momentum after beating Galaxy

Seventeen goals in 17 games does not constitute a powerful attack. Heading into Saturday's match against Toronto FC, the Fire are third in lowest scorers, and their 1.76 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes are ahead of just four teams.

Against the LA Galaxy on June 1, there were positive signs. The Fire scored two goals for the first time since April 6 and generated 11 shots.

That surge should continue as the Fire (3-8-6, 15 points) begin a busy portion of their schedule on the road, not returning home until after traveling to Toronto (7-7-3, 24 points ), Orlando City (next Saturday) and Seattle (June 29).

This weak offense explains why the Fire average less than a point per game.

“The goal is to continue creating and scoring goals like we have done in the last few games and to do it consistently,” said striker Hugo Cuypers. “It starts now with Toronto's next away game and knowing that we have three away games in a row, which will be a challenge with the position we are in now, and the position we are in we put gives us no choice but to take points on the road. So it starts on Saturday.

Cuypers, a very wealthy designated player, is the one most relied on to score goals. On the surface, his five goals in 17 games are disappointing, but he hasn't gotten the service needed to find the net.

Since arriving in Chicago, he has focused on the team, not enjoying the city and all it has to offer.

“In particular, the last three performances have been good, we managed to work our way through the system and I hope it can continue like this,” Cuypers said. “And for the rest, the weather is incredible at the moment. When family and friends are around, we really enjoy the city.

Fire fans would appreciate things more if the attack – which won't have to accommodate Xherdan Shaqiri while he plays for Switzerland at the Euros – continues to improve. The Fire gained momentum after beating the Galaxy, but were not part of last weekend's limited slate of MLS games.

Coach Frank Klopas isn't concerned that the opening date will short-circuit any flow the Fire might have developed.

“Even after that [Galaxy] match, the preparation and training have been really sharp,” Klopas said. “But it also gave the opportunity now, with the players, to take a few days off just to rest not only physically, but from a mental point of view. The guys invested a lot and the break came at the right time moment.

The Fire still have eight matches before the start of the League Cup on July 28. By then, they should know if their offense has improved and if their playoff hopes are realistic. Klopas and the Fire know where they are: behind the pack and facing a schedule of 10 away games and only seven at home.

“The energy has been good. The results helped, but we have to continue and we have a long way to go,” Klopas said. “My message has not changed. We know what our goals are ultimately. We want to be in the playoffs. There's no other way to say it. We have an uphill climb and we have to approach every game like it’s a must-win situation.