The task is a simple one for the Chicago Fire, but the simplicity doesn't make it any less difficult. The Fire need a win or tie tonight against Chivas USA in order to secure a playoff berth as well as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Chivas USA isn't about to make it easy though, not when a win tonight at Toyota Park (8pm, ESPN2) will move the Goats one step closer to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
The race for the final three playoff spots in MLS is a tight one, with seven teams vying for three spots, but the Fire can clinch its spot with a draw. You would think that playing at home in this decisive match would be an advantage, but the Fire come into the match with a 4-4-6 home record, making the Fire the only playoff contender that doesn't have a winning home record.
The Fire has stumbled to the finish line as injuries have decimated the club down the stretch, resulting in a six-match winless streak that has Chicago in danger of missing the post-season. With a healthy Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Chris Rolfe in the fold, the Fire should be able to challenge Chivas USA's stingy defense, though the continued absences of Gonzalo Segares and Tim Ward coupled with the potential absence of Wilman Conde (flu) could spell doom against a Chivas USA attack led by a rejuvenated Sacha Kljestan.
Chivas USA has had a much different finish to the season than the Fire, having gone unbeaten in its past six MLS matches (3-0-3). That surge has helped Preki's squad erase the memories of a nine-match winless skid in all competitions that threatened to ruin a season that got off to such a strong start.
Chivas USA can clinch the Western Conference regular season title with four points from its final two matches, and will be looking for just a touch of revenge after losing to the FIre in controversial fashion back in May.
Tonight's match has added significance for the Fire because it marks Chris Armas' enshrinement into the Ring of Fire. U.S. men's national team coach Bob Bradley and Philadelphia Union head coach Peter Nowak will be among those in attendance for the ceremony.
What do you see happening tonight? Think the Fire can finally end its winless skid, or do you see Chivas USA riding its momentum to move a step closer to the West title? Think Cuauhtemoc Blanco can work his magic and revive the FIre the way he's helped revive Mexico?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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