Fire-Whitecaps FC Preview

Ever since a forgettable performance in the season opener, Matt Lampson has been magnificent in goal for the Chicago Fire.

Goalkeeper David Ousted has also been sensational at home for Vancouver since a dud in the opener, but more concerning for Lampson is the onslaught the Whitecaps' attack displayed in their last match.

Vancouver looks to build on an encouraging showing when it hosts the last-place Fire on Wednesday night.

After totaling 19 shots and nine on goal in their final two April matches, the Whitecaps (4-5-2) matched MLS season highs with 26 shots and 13 on goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over Portland. It was the most shots by Vancouver in a single game since it had a franchise-record 30 against FC Dallas on July 27, 2014.

''We showed today what we can be,'' coach Carl Robinson said. ''Every man from one to 11 was very strong, but that's the standard I require.''

Christian Bolanos broke a tie in the 66th minute by scoring in his third consecutive game, and Japanese forward Masato Kudo notched his first MLS goal.

The Whitecaps dominated play while the defense excelled in front of Ousted, who made four saves to increase his league-best total to 41.

Ousted has started every match for Vancouver and has allowed just two goals in leading his team to a 3-0-2 record at home since a 3-2 loss to Montreal in the opener.

Lampson is in the midst of an impressive run of his own, yielding four goals over a six-game stretch since surrendering four in a season-opening loss to New York City FC.

The problem for Lampson, however, is he isn't getting much help from his offense. In seven games, Chicago (1-2-4) has scored seven - the only MLS team in single digits.

Rookie Jonathan Campbell scored his first MLS goal - the third in five matches for the Fire - in a 1-all draw with D.C in their last game April 30.

Chicago is getting reinforcements at midfield but not in time for this match. David Accam, who had two goals and an assist in the season's first two games, has been out for two months due to a knee injury and is targeting a return Saturday against New England. Khaly Thiam, acquired last Wednesday, is also hoping to play Saturday as he awaits his visa.

"We are working still on (Accam's) fitness and we want to take advantage of this possibility to build up his fitness level," coach Veljko Paunovic told the Fire's official website. "(For Thiam), I think his fitness is very good. ... He's also not going to travel to Vancouver so we are taking advantage of that to give him some rest and get him ready for the coming games."

Vancouver will have the services of Kekuta Manneh, who has a goal in seven starts, after he served a one-match suspension against the Timbers for a hard foul.

The Whitecaps are 3-1-2 all-time against the Fire, outscoring them 7-3 in winning both matches in Vancouver.