MLS

• McBride could make Fire debut vs. United

  
  

  Bridgeview, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Fire and D.C. United meet for the third and final time in Major League Soccer regular season play as both teams jockey for position in the Eastern Conference table. After splitting the first two games of the season series - the road teams winning both - the clubs will meet at Toyota Park on Saturday.

  The Fire (9-5-5) are unbeaten in their last six league fixtures and currently hold the second spot in the East, just one point behind New England (10-5-3), while D.C. (8-9-1) has lost two of its last three.

  D.C.'s most recent loss came at the hands of the New York Red Bulls, a team it is battling with in the standings.

  United rebounded with a midweek U.S.

  Open Cup victory over New England to advance to the tourney final.

  "I think the biggest thing, especially coming off of Sunday's [loss at New York], was to come out and get a result here," D.C. midfielder Clyde Simms said.

  "We knew that [New England] didn't bring their full squad, but at the same time we didn't want to take them too lightly. I think this was good to maybe give us some confidence going into our game on Saturday against Chicago." The Fire are coming off an impressive win At New England, in which they came back from a goal down late to win 2-1.

  "We said to our guys we have to make sure that we play 90 minutes tonight," Fire coach Denis Hamlett said. "It's a credit to this group. They've been working hard and they left it all on the field. It's good to see our guys get the three points, because I thought we played well enough to deserve the points." Chicago should get a major boost up top against D.C., with American forward Brian McBride probably being available after playing all 90 minutes for the United States in Wednesday's 2-1 elimination loss to Nigeria in the Beijing Olympics.

  The 36-year-old probably won't start following approximately 18 hours of traveling from China, but he could see action if needed.

  McBride, 36, is returning to MLS after playing four years in the English Premier League. Prior to playing in the EPL, McBride played for the Columbus Crew for eight years.

  United could be getting a boost as well, leveling the playing field. Midfielder Marcelo Gallardo, who has been out for an extended time after hernia surgery, could make his return Saturday. He is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report. Also, Liberian goalkeeper Louis Crayton could be available, with the Washington Post reporting that United General Manager Dave Kasper said the final paperwork on Crayton's move from FC Basel is complete.

  All three additions would be huge for the respective clubs, but United is in need of reinforcements more desperately. Crayton should be an upgrade over Zac Wells in goal, which will go a long way toward correcting the teams 32 goals allowed in 18 fixtures.

  Also, If Gallardo is able to play, it will add much- needed stability to the middle of the field for United.

  08/15 16:08:47 ET