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Chicago (7-5-4) at Kansas City (5-5-6), 8 p.m.

Kansas City, KS (Sports Network) - United States striker Josh Wolff returned to Kansas City just in time.

Wolff left the Wizards and Major League Soccer after the 2006 season and played 1 1/2 years in Germany, but returned K.C. this month on a four-year contract.

In his return, Wolff needed just 30 minutes to score his 60th career goal, also the tying goal in a 3-3 draw with the Columbus Crew on July 17.

Wolff's goal helped Kansas City avoid blowing a quick two-goal lead and extend its unbeaten streak to five games. K.C. jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening half against the Crew, but was behind 3-2 at halftime.

Wolff, who played in MLS from 1998-2006 before joining 1860 Munich, scored in the 75th minute to help Kansas City continue its turnaround.

"We gave up three [goals] in the first half, which is a little disappointing, but we fought hard in the second half and deserved at least one goal and to get a point," said Wolff, who had 59 goals and 35 assists in his first MLS stint.

The Wizards started the season with two wins, but over their next 10 games went just 1-5-4 to fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But thanks to their unbeaten run, the Wizards have pulled even in points with New York with Chicago visiting CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Sunday.

Wolff could be just the person to help K.C. climb up the standings. Kansas City scored just 14 goals in its first 15 games without him and its 17 goals overall is only better than expansion San Jose.

Kansas City is just one point behind D.C. United and Toronto FC entering this weekend's games. Chicago is just four points away in third place. Kansas City won its previous meeting with Chicago, 1-0, on April 20.

Chicago is on a four-game unbeaten streak, including a 0-0 draw against Western Conference leader Real Salt Lake in its last game. Fire goalie Jon Busch earned his sixth shutout as the team continued to have the best defense in the league.

The Fire have allowed just 14 goals in 16 games, which is five fewer than any other team in MLS. Houston, New England and Real Salt Lake all have allowed 19 goals this season.

Chicago has a chance to close in on New England, which is eight points ahead in first place in the Eastern Conference. The Fire have played one less match than the Revolution and need a win this week to move within striking distance of the top spot.

With a 4-2-2 record on the road, the Fire are one of just three teams with more three wins on the road. New England has six and Columbus has three.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who had a goal and an assist to earn Most Valuable Player of Thursday's MLS All-Star game - a 3-2 win over West Ham - is the Fire's catalyst with four goals and six assists.

Chicago has scored 24 goals in 16 matches and if it can get its offense going, can be a major threat to catch New England. The Fire are trying to add United States veteran Brian McBride from Toronto, which has his rights.

But even if the Fire acquire McBride, he's with the U.S. Olympic team for next month's Summer Games in China. That means Blanco, Chad Barrett (five goals and four assists), Chris Rolfe (four goals) and John Thorrington (four goals) have to produce if Chicago hopes to catch New England.