Seattle’s injury crisis and dreadful form contrast with a Chicago side that has been scoring freely. With six starters out, the Sounders’ makeshift defense faces a stern test against a Chicago attack that has found the net in every recent outing. The Fire themselves are missing…
Seattle Sounders vs Chicago Fire: Joveljić Set for Debut as Fire Bring Four-Game Unbeaten Run
Seattle Sounders host an in-form Chicago Fire on Saturday evening as the two sides meet for the first time during the 2026 MLS regular season. The Sounders, sitting 13th in the Western Conference, will hope the debut of newly signed striker Dejan Joveljić can spark a turnaround after another frustrating home defeat, while the Fire arrive on a four-match MLS unbeaten streak and sit third in the Eastern Conference standings.
Team News and Injury Latest
Seattle’s injury crisis was a major talking point after their most recent outing, though head coach Brian Schmetzer did receive a boost when Jackson Ragen’s hyper-extended knee proved not to be a serious issue. The medical room remains busy: Nikola Petkovic, Hassani Dotson, Pedro De La Vega, Jordan Morris, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, and Paul Arriola are all listed as not expected to play. Schmetzer has been calling publicly for reinforcements, and he gets one in Dejan Joveljić. General Manager Craig Waibel called the Designated Player a “proven goal scorer in the prime of his career,” and he has already started training with the squad. To accommodate Joveljić, Albert Rusnák has agreed to a restructured contract, a move Schmetzer endorsed by saying he would be happy to have Rusnák for the next few years.
Chicago Fire have no fresh injury concerns reported. Chris Brady is expected to continue in goal after making five saves in the 1-1 draw at New York Red Bulls. Defender Viktor Radojević, who registered his first career assist in only his third start and 10th appearance in that match, should keep his place.
Chicago Fire Form Guide
The Fire (11-6-3) extended their unbeaten run to four MLS matches with a late 1-1 draw at the New York Red Bulls. Maren Heile-Selassie scored his fourth goal of the season to give Chicago a half-time lead, but a Cameron Harper equaliser four minutes from time denied them a fourth straight league win. Earlier in August, Chicago put together a run of three consecutive 2-1 victories over Charlotte, Portland, and Orlando City. Robert Lewandowski scored from the penalty spot in the win over Orlando, while Puso Dithejane opened the scoring in the fourth minute of that same match. Across all competitions, the Fire won six in a row for the first time since their inaugural 1998 season.
Seattle Sounders Form Guide
Seattle (7-9-3) fell 2-0 at home in their last match, conceding a goal to Austin in the 87th minute and another shortly after. Stuart Hawkins pulled one back with his first career MLS goal in the 90th minute, heading in a Rusnák free kick, but the Sounders could not find an equaliser. That result added to a difficult campaign at home and left the Sounders 13th in the West. Paul Rothrock has scored five goals for Seattle this season, while Jesus Ferreira has found the net once over the past ten games. The arrival of Joveljić is intended to provide an immediate attacking boost.
Key Battle: Joveljić’s Fresh Legs Against a Settled Fire Defence
The most compelling subplot is how quickly Dejan Joveljić can integrate into a Sounders attack that has struggled for consistent output. With Jordan Morris still sidelined, Joveljić will likely be asked to lead the line immediately. He faces a Chicago backline anchored by Brady, who has recorded three saves in a win over Orlando and five in the draw at New York in his last two MLS starts, and Radojević, a young defender growing into his role. If Joveljić can stretch the Fire’s defensive shape, it may create space for Rothrock and Ferreira to break their own quiet spells in front of goal.
