Major League Soccer

MLS Playoffs: Respectful Fire Ready To Face RSL

The Fire know they have a dangerous challenge ahead of them this weekend.

Nov 11, 2009 6:01:56 PM

MLS: Jon Busch, Chicago Fire, October 2008 (ISI)

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MLS: Jon Busch, Chicago Fire, October 2008 (ISI)

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Denis Hamlett and Jon Busch both showed plenty of respect for their opponents in Saturday's Eastern Conference final, Real Salt Lake.

Salt Lake crashed the Eastern Conference party and halted a rematch of last year's Conference final by ousting the Columbus Crew. Now RSL will get their shot at making the MLS Cup final an all-west affair as they head to Chicago to try and put out the Fire.

Both Hamlett and Busch mentioned the threat that their visitors have as an attacking force, but assured the media involved with a conference call on Wednesday that they were excited to have the chance to make it to the MLS Cup final.

"They’re a team that are on a good streak right now," Hamlett said of Salt Lake. "They’re coming in with a lot of confidence and they’ve got a lot of firepower."

But the manager seemed confident that his side would be up to the task. "I think our guys are going to be excited, going to be pumped for a great atmosphere and it’ll be a great game because I think Salt Lake is a team that’s on good form right now and obviously we’re feeling confident of our ability."

One big factor in the match will be the red-hot form of Salt Lake front man Robbie Findley, and Hamlett admitted that it would take a team effort to deal with the lighting quick striker.

"You just have to be aware of him in different spots of the field and make sure you don’t get yourself put in situations where his speed can expose you," the Fire boss said. "More importantly, I think if you can put pressure onto their midfield where they can’t play those balls that he likes to have then I think it can make our job a little bit easier."

Busch also noted the attacking talent that their opposition will bring into Toyota Park, but said that playing at home should be an advantage.

Still, the Chicago 'keeper was adamant that the only matter of any importance was finding a way to win the match.

"The only thing that matters in this game is that the winner goes on to the finals," Busch said. "That’s motivation enough for both teams. You’re one step away from playing for a championship, that’s all that matters."

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