So we are facing Real Salt Lake for the Eastern Conference Semis, even though RSL isn't from the East! I know it is kinda oxymoronic, but the system has worked for the MLS in the past when one Conference (cough cough, the East last year) is completely dominant over the other. Either way, both teams got here in dramatic fashion.

Well here we go again.

Having lost the past two semi-finals, or conference finals, or whatever you're calling them, the Fire are entering the post season yet again with the taste of a lot of post season success, turned disappointment in their mouths.

Two years ago, we rocked DC United's world after they won the Supporter's Shield, and we snuck in -thanks to Thorny's 90′-, by dropping them first round only to be taken out by a Taylor Twellman bicycle kick from hell.

1-0 OVER CHIVAS!!! WE'RE IN!!!!
The weather disgusting. The play dominated but not too pretty. Corners was that a record number? Lillingston a large thank you for getting us in.
Once again the ref missed a lot. There were about three handballs right in front of the man in the middle.

The game was stolen from the Fire.
The officiating was awful. There was a PK stolen from Rolfe and at least three fouls not called. It wasn't even just calls missed for us, but there were several the ref missed that we committed. Blatant handballs and flagrant fouls were missed.
The play was alright.

The Playoff picture is coming into focus as the season comes to a close. Currently the Fire are in a pretty good spot. Second place in the East by 4 points with three games left in the season.
For those who are not familiar with the MLS Playoff format, here are the basics:
-Eight teams make the playoffs
-Top two teams from each conference make it
-After the top teams, the next four teams with the most points take the wildcard spots
-The divisions of the wildcard teams does not matter

4 points can be made up quickly.

A few quick thoughts after the final whistle at RSL, I am pleased.

I must admit that I am pretty impressed with Chicago's performance tonight despite coming away with a point that could have been three. The Fire were able to dominate for the first 70 minutes of play and I was very excited to see some great one-touch play from the youthful squad.

Yes Fire fans, Mr. ESPN is leaving the Fire in the January transfer window. So for those of you who hate soap operas, I'm sorry. As the Chicago Fire World Turns will continue on and I'm sure that the drama will be top notch.

As my colleague Matthew, has punctually stated in his recent article "I Wish I Had A Crystal Ball," the Fire are on the verge of a possible exodus of players with the question marks and explanation points surrounding the exits and of Blanco, McBride, Rolfe, Pappa, Soumare, Prideaux, Segares, Conde and even Dennis Hamlett.

I have heard it said by multiple sources and also believe it myself that this year will be the Fire's best chance at winning a championship for quite some time. While searching for contract information on the Fire (if someone knows where I can find it, I would be very happy), I came across this article.

Unfortunately, Dasan Robinson cannot be the fall guy for this one. After his late heroics/ complete stupidity against Colorado, I can't remember that last time that I wanted kiss something and kill it at the same time, I thought the Fire were in for a long night against DC United.

With only 3 healthy defenders, the Fire entrusted the LB duties to Mike Banner, the second year youngster who weighs maybe a buck-thirty and spends most of his time playing as an attacking midfielder.

Fire Fans,
We have two new bloggers for the site: Joe and I. We will be posting for the Fire. Please comment and let us know what you want to see. Also feel free to agree or disagree. Lively conversation would be a nice thing to see on the site.

For my first post, I will go over my first two visits to Toyota Park.

After going unbeaten in their first 10 games of the season, a team record, the Chicago Fire have lost their last 3 league games in a row. In response, many Chicago Fire fans have started calling for coach Denis Hamlett to be fired. In response to those fans who want Denis to be fired I have 3 arguments in his defence:

1.

1.The Fire will be missing Segares, Blanco, and Soumare for the match tonight.
Houston will be missing Brain Ching, and Ricardo Clark.

2. Houston have won 5 of their last 6 games, with the other game being a tie.
The Fire have won 3 of their last 6 with 2 ties and 1 loss.

3.

Please excuse my absence over the past few weeks. I was away for both of the Fire's most recent road victories against Toronto and New York. Both trips were a blast (road trips are ALWAYS better when you come home with 3 points). Before the last 2 away matches, I complained that the Fire play playing extremely well but not kill off teams.

To be honest, I dont really want to write about the Fire vs Revs game. Quite frankly, I am getting sick of writing the same thing week in week out. So instead, I want to pose a question for all the Fire fans out there: What do we have to do to get a win? Your answers can be funny, serious or a bit of both!

It's taken me almost a week to write about last weekend's game. One of my friends summed it up well when he said it was the worst he has felt after watching a home game in a long time. As we sat, dejected in the parking lot, a group of my friends and I came to the conclusion that the Fire are the MLS equivalent of Liverpool.