While D.C. United is trying to maintain its current playoff position in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Fire are fighting just to be part of the postseason conversation.

D.C. looks to continue its recent home success when it welcomes the Fire to Washington on Wednesday night.

With four points from its last two matches -- after losing three straight -- D.C. United (9-10-4, 31 points) entered the week among the top seven teams in the East. United's 7-3-0 record at home is a big reason it's a serious playoff contender.

D.C. won 3-1 over Philadelphia in its most recent home contest on Aug. 28, then followed with a 1-1 draw at the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Ola Kamara, second among MLS goal leaders with 13, has one in each of the last two games for United -- the latter coming via a penalty attempt just before halftime on Saturday. D.C. had eight shots, two on target, but left frustrated that it did not generate more offense against New York.

"Missing chances is part of the sport," United coach Hernan Losada told The Washington Post.

Kamara scored the tying goal on a penalty kick in the 87th minute of D.C.'s 2-2 finish at Chicago on July 21. Edison Flores scored during United's 1-0 home victory over the Fire in May, and is expected to be available Wednesday after returning from international duty with Peru.

After snapping their 0-13-6 road rut with a 1-0 win at Red Bulls on Aug. 28, the Fire (6-12-5, 23 points) fell 2-0 to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. Sitting 12th in the East, Chicago is 1-3-0 amid a stretch of six straight contests away from home.

"We are going to regroup," Fire coach Raphael Wicky said about getting ready for this match. "We have got to come back. ... It's a game where we go with the mentality of winning.

"It's going to be a tough game again."

Robert Beric's winner versus New York last month is Chicago's only goal over the last three games.

--Field Level Media