MLS Playoffs Match Report: Fire 2 Revs 0

The Fire came into the second leg down 2-1 in aggregate goals facing an opponent that they've faced a huge number of times in the playoffs over the years, lately with good results. I could go on about the challenges that the Revs faced this year, but frankly it's not worth the time. This Fire team came into the playoffs in mediocre form, with rumors of trouble in the locker room and using a patchwork lineup. Brian McBride missed a good chunk of the second half of the season to injury, Blanco often seemed marginally interested at best and a combination of injuries and transfers has robbed them of all four opening day defensive starters. There is uncertainly about Coach Dennis Hamlett's future with the club and the roster will most likely be turned over with impending departures of Chris Rolfe, Chuauathemoc Blanco, Wilman Conde, Gonzalo Segares, Marco Pappa, Brian McBride and possibly C.J. Brown. Anything short of a definitive statement- a 2+ goal margin of victory, would end the season and break up the band.

What they got out of Blanco was the best performance he's turned in wearing the Fire shirt since his first season. He showed the kind of form that Fire fans have seen from him on TV in the Mexico shirt but not in person in some time; he found an extra gear on the run, tracked back and won balls, and generally used his strength and big game experience to maximum effect. The sold out crowd of 21,500 provided an outstanding atmosphere throughout. Marco Pappa and playoff hero of yore John Thorrington both sparkled and Patrick Nyarko's speed off the bench turned out to be the difference maker. Dasan Robinson and C.J. Brown's partnership at the heart of the defense has solidified over the past month, and Jon Busch made some vital saves in the last 15 minutes against the Revs to preserve the win.

Much was made of the Fire's decision to move the advertising boards much closer to the field to limit long throw-ins, and how it caused Maurico Castro to cut his hand and lose his rag, booting a loose ball into the stands before leaving the field for treatment. The advertising boards being closer to the field did have an unfortunate impact on the sight lines from our seats in the first row- all action on the field within 10 feet of the sideline was cut off at the waist.

Real Salt Lake comes to Chicago for the Eastern Conference Finals next Saturday. The Fire beat RSL 1-0 at home in August and drew 1-1 away a month later. Their wide speed has potential to give us trouble but if Blanco shows up to play again and our fullbacks aren't too badly exposed the Fire have a real chance to play for the championship in Seattle in two weeks.

MLS Playoffs: Crowd, Nyarko Ignite Fire
Revolution burned
Player Ratings




Game Faces On




















Blanco and Rolfe defend an early free kick. Note the impinging advertising boards, much further from our seats than normal. Very annoying.





Blanco takes a throw. Again, the ad boards.


Eff this guy.














Nyarko hauls ass





Blanco takes a corner unfazed by a crazed drunken fan getting handcuffed right behind him.








Sad dickheads after the second goal.








A happy fan celebrates.












Baggio subs in.











Captain CJ greets his Legion.





Bring on the Conference Finals!

-Bobbie BS