Toronto FC-Fire Preview

Toronto FC last defeated the Chicago Fire nearly five years ago, and it's still seeking its first road victory in the series.

Getting two of its stars back may be enough to end those droughts.

Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore return from international duty looking to give TFC an offensive spark as it tries for its first win in Chicago on Saturday.

Toronto (1-2-0) has gone 11 games, including five losses, since last beating Chicago (1-3-0) on May 8, 2010. The team's struggles with the Fire also include an 0-4-5 all-time record with seven goals at Toyota Park.

TFC's chances of snapping those streaks should improve with Bradley and Altidore back after they missed last weekend's 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake due to commitments with the United States national team.

"Good to be back. I know Jozy and I are really excited to get back on the field in Chicago," Bradley said. "We hold ourselves to a pretty high standard. We step on the field just about every game wanting to win and thinking we can win if we play the way we're able to, and certainly this team is no different."

Bradley's impact goes beyond the score sheet. The captain acts as Toronto's fulcrum in the center of the midfield, while Altidore is expected to find the net regularly.

Altidore has a team-high two goals in two games, and both tallies came in a season-opening 3-1 win at Vancouver on March 7. He's scored in each of his three career meetings with Chicago, but those came with the New York Red Bulls with the most recent in May 2008.

Altidore's return is even more important after fellow forward Luke Moore was suspended one game by the league's disciplinary committee for a dangerous tackle from behind on Salt Lake's Sebastian Jaime last weekend. He was issued a yellow card by the referee.

Altidore and Bradley are expected to combine offensively with midfield playmaker Sebastian Giovinco, whose only assist on the season came on a goal by Altidore.

Chicago is trying to win back-to-back games for the first time since May 10-18, and Harry Shipp is likely to be a factor in that endeavor.

The second-year midfielder is vital to the Fire's offensive success, with one goal and one assist in the past two games. His precision free kick found the head of defender Adailton, who scored in Sunday's 1-0 win over Philadelphia to end Chicago's three-game skid.

Coach Frank Yallop feels Shipp's offensive activity increases with Michael Stephens taking on more defensive duties in the midfield.

"Harry's a player that sees the game a little differently than most players," Yallop said. "He drifts around, he's got to find his space, but I think Mike (Stephens) does a great job of complimenting him, and slotting into the spots Harry leaves."

Shipp had one goal in three meetings with Toronto last year, and they all ended in ties, including two at Toyota Park.

While Toronto is getting Bradley and Altidore back from international duty, Chicago will have Shaun Maloney and David Accam back from Scotland and Ghana, respectively.

Maloney hasn't factored in the scoring in three games, while Accam's only appearance came off the bench.