Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire: What you need to know

Toronto FC didn't have much time to lick its wounds after Wednesday's loss away to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Canadian Championship final. 

Engulfed in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference, TFC remain on the road and will face the Chicago Fire this weekend in a game with major post-season implications. 

With only two more home matches after this contest, Toronto badly needs to pick up three points in Illinois to keep its distance from the chasing pack who are breathing down its neck. Chicago will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss or draw. 

“[It’s] life or death, cup final time again. It's cup final time,” coach John Herman said of the team’s final three games of the regular season. 

Here’s what you need to know about Saturday's match between Toronto and Chicago at SeatGeek Stadium (8:30 p.m. ET/Apple TV).