Away from Chicago, the Fire have been road worriers
A Trend that Continues
Since 2009, when Real Salt Lake zapped them from the MLS Cup semifinals on penalty kicks, the Fire are 0-2 in the postseason and have been competing on a severely slippery-sloped pitch away from home.
A Brutal Record
In that ’09 campaign, the Fire recorded a league-best 6-3-6 away record. Since then, they have gone 41-143-63 on the highway, a brutal.294 winning percentage.
A Profitable Angle
However, those who have taken a position on those home sides plus half a goal (making the draw a wagering victory) have cashed at an 83.4% clip (206-41). Those home teams win at a 57.9% (143-104) rate.
A Trend that Continues
Since 2018, when I began charting those trends, they’re 85.8% and 61.1%, respectively. The 2025 MLS season starts next month.
Positive Fire Moves
Bianco favors the Fire having hired as coach the experienced Gregg Berhalter, who ran the Crew for five years. He’s also the lone former U.S. national team player who has coached that squad.
Adding Scoring Up Front
“And it’s always good to have an owner [Joe Mansueto] who will spend money,” -Bianco said. “They’ll need to do that and add a couple of DPs.”
A Realistic Wager
He said 100-to-1 title odds don’t suggest imminent glory for the Fire. A realistic wager, according to Bianco, is making the playoffs, comprised of nine teams per conference.
Atlético Magnifico
I mark Fire away matches on a calendar, as reminders, and certain Euro confrontations, such as when Atlético Madrid plays Getafe CF.
A Dominant Record
The last 26 times they’ve met, Atlético is 21-0-5 against Getafe, with a 51-9 goal differential. Getafe last defeated Atlético 3-2 on Nov. 6, 2011; in their ensuing 17 matches, Atlético went 15-0-2 and tallied all 31 goals.
The Global Stage
Bianco highlighted his +600 preseason ticket on Liverpool to win the English Premier League over ever-dominant but penalty-awaiting Manchester City.
A Land Mine of Tough Games
Napoli sits atop the Italian top flight but has +200 title odds, since upcoming matches include Juventus, Roma, Lazio, Inter Milan AC Milan, Fiorentina and Bologna.
A Conclusion
It’s essential to be aware of these trends and angles when wagering on the Fire or other teams. With the right approach, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your bets.
FAQs
Q: What is the Fire’s record away from home since 2009?
A: The Fire have gone 41-143-63 on the highway, a brutal.294 winning percentage.
Q: What is the trend for taking the home team plus half a goal?
A: Those who have taken a position on those home sides plus half a goal (making the draw a wagering victory) have cashed at an 83.4% clip (206-41).
Q: What is Bianco’s recommendation for the Fire’s title odds?
A: Bianco said 100-to-1 title odds don’t suggest imminent glory for the Fire. A realistic wager, according to Bianco, is making the playoffs, comprised of nine teams per conference.
