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MLS Playoff Preview: Chicago v. New England
The second leg of the Conference Semifinals kicks off on Wednesday night with the Fire in good shape against the undermanned Revs.
Nov 6, 2008 7:58:50 AM
Chicago Fire v. New England Revolution
When: 8:30 pm ET, Thursday, November 6
Where: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL
TV: ESPN2
The Gist: Having played to a scoreless draw in the first leg, New England is on level terms as they head to Toyota Park to take on the Fire. The Fire are banking on the home field advantage to carry them past the Revolution, a feat they have been unable to accomplish in the past three postseasons.
That New England failed to score against Chicago in the first leg is hardly a surprise. Without their top three goal scorers from the regular season, claiming their offense was shorthanded was an understatement. However, even with their full compliment of players the Revs only scored once in three regular season games against the Fire. For New England to advance to their eighth straight Eastern conference final, they will have to at least match that number.
Chicago were more than happy to walk away from the first leg with a scoreless draw in hand. Though New England ended Chicago’s season three years running, those games were played at the Big Razor. The Revolution haven’t won away from home since Independence Day and, though the Fire aren’t as solid at home as other Cup contenders, they haven’t lost at Toyota Park in their past three games. Should the Fire score first they can force New England out of their shell and use the counterattack to win comfortably.
Why You Should Care: Now that the Fire are home, they should open up their offense. New England will look to continue the physical play that forced only a few saves for Matt Reis. That type of game takes Cuauhtémoc Blanco out of his comfort factor and reminds American fans of their dislike for the former Mexican international due to his constant flopping and complaining to the referee.
However, Blanco is still capable of turning a game on its head at a moments notice, whether it’s on a precisely hit free kick or from the run of play. His likely target, Brian McBride, was largely quiet in the first leg, save for a goal that was called back due to offsides. However, look for the former internationals to lead the attack with help from Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe flying forward on the wings on counterattacks.
With Revolution defender Gabriel Badilla back from suspension, Rolfe will not be able to take advantage of Chris Tierney’s lack of pace. Instead, veteran Jay Heaps will stay in the middle and Badilla will play on the left, looking to shut down the Fire’s leading goal scorer as he looks push forward more this week with the reins taken off the offense.
The biggest concern for the Revolution, though, is whether Shalrie Joseph is healthy or not. He did not train fully all week, suffering from an MCL sprain, but he is expected to be in the starting lineup.
While Chicago has a handful of players who can score from the run of play, New England’s best chances will likely come from set pieces. Mauricio Castro has been largely ineffective this season with just three assists, but would make amends should he find Joseph’s head with a curling free kick.
Coming from the run of play, the Gambian duo of Kenny Mansally and Kheli Dube are the two main threats for New England. As a result Gonzalo Segares will be under attack for much of the evening on the left side of the Fire defense and will have to maintain the high level he had for much of the season.
Who's the Man Right Now? Wilman Conde. The Geico Caveman look alike stepped up his game last week to help thwart New England’s attack. Conde’s lone career goal came against the Revs earlier this year in controversial fashion that capped a stunning come-from-behind win in the final minutes.
Prediction: Chicago Fire 2, New England Revolution 0
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com
When: 8:30 pm ET, Thursday, November 6
Where: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL
TV: ESPN2
The Gist: Having played to a scoreless draw in the first leg, New England is on level terms as they head to Toyota Park to take on the Fire. The Fire are banking on the home field advantage to carry them past the Revolution, a feat they have been unable to accomplish in the past three postseasons.
That New England failed to score against Chicago in the first leg is hardly a surprise. Without their top three goal scorers from the regular season, claiming their offense was shorthanded was an understatement. However, even with their full compliment of players the Revs only scored once in three regular season games against the Fire. For New England to advance to their eighth straight Eastern conference final, they will have to at least match that number.
Chicago were more than happy to walk away from the first leg with a scoreless draw in hand. Though New England ended Chicago’s season three years running, those games were played at the Big Razor. The Revolution haven’t won away from home since Independence Day and, though the Fire aren’t as solid at home as other Cup contenders, they haven’t lost at Toyota Park in their past three games. Should the Fire score first they can force New England out of their shell and use the counterattack to win comfortably.
Why You Should Care: Now that the Fire are home, they should open up their offense. New England will look to continue the physical play that forced only a few saves for Matt Reis. That type of game takes Cuauhtémoc Blanco out of his comfort factor and reminds American fans of their dislike for the former Mexican international due to his constant flopping and complaining to the referee.
However, Blanco is still capable of turning a game on its head at a moments notice, whether it’s on a precisely hit free kick or from the run of play. His likely target, Brian McBride, was largely quiet in the first leg, save for a goal that was called back due to offsides. However, look for the former internationals to lead the attack with help from Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe flying forward on the wings on counterattacks.
With Revolution defender Gabriel Badilla back from suspension, Rolfe will not be able to take advantage of Chris Tierney’s lack of pace. Instead, veteran Jay Heaps will stay in the middle and Badilla will play on the left, looking to shut down the Fire’s leading goal scorer as he looks push forward more this week with the reins taken off the offense.
The biggest concern for the Revolution, though, is whether Shalrie Joseph is healthy or not. He did not train fully all week, suffering from an MCL sprain, but he is expected to be in the starting lineup.
While Chicago has a handful of players who can score from the run of play, New England’s best chances will likely come from set pieces. Mauricio Castro has been largely ineffective this season with just three assists, but would make amends should he find Joseph’s head with a curling free kick.
Coming from the run of play, the Gambian duo of Kenny Mansally and Kheli Dube are the two main threats for New England. As a result Gonzalo Segares will be under attack for much of the evening on the left side of the Fire defense and will have to maintain the high level he had for much of the season.
Who's the Man Right Now? Wilman Conde. The Geico Caveman look alike stepped up his game last week to help thwart New England’s attack. Conde’s lone career goal came against the Revs earlier this year in controversial fashion that capped a stunning come-from-behind win in the final minutes.
Prediction: Chicago Fire 2, New England Revolution 0
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com
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