My recent posts on ESPNChicago.com:
• Brian McBride (pictured right) among three finalists for MLS Comeback Player of the Year
• Can the Fire make up their one-goal playoff deficit this Saturday? Click to continue reading...

CLICK HERE to read my ESPNChicago.com post from the Chicago Fire's 2-1 loss to the New England Revolution in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. It features a recap, analysis and commentary from Fire midfielder Chris Rolfe, who scored Chicago's lone goal.

Click to continue reading...

My recent posts on ESPNChicago.com:
• Oct. 31: Game 1 preview - Chicago Fire at New England Revolution
• Oct. 30: Time is now for Fire - Chicago has dealt with distractions all season
• Oct. 30: This date in Fire history: Oct. 30, 1998 - Fire complete 'double' with U.S. Open Cup victory
Also noteworthy:
• Chicago Tribune: What Chicago Fire need to do in playoffs
• Pitch Invasion's The Sweeper: Beckham and Blanco move on -- can MLS? Click to continue reading...

My recent posts on ESPNChicago.com:
• Oct. 29: Mike Banner's versatility pays off
• Oct. 28: Fire's, Rev's depth put to test this season
Also in the news:
• Cuauhtemoc Blanco: Blanco to leave Fire for Mexico
• U.S WNT: U.S. tops Germany, 1-0 / Local focus: Red Stars forward Ella Masar came into the game in the 73rd minute for Amy Rodriguez. Click to continue reading...

Fire, Revs square off for eighth postseason affair
On my ESPNChicago.com Chicago Fire blog, I list the complete rundown of the playoff history between the Fire and New England Revolution. CLICK HERE to read my post. Click to continue reading...

Plus, a look back at a memorable day in Fire history
On my ESPNChicago.com Chicago Fire blog, I note the schedule for the upcoming playoff series between the Fire and New England Revolution, and mention the 11th anniversary of the Fire's 1998 MLS Cup (right). Read the below links from Sunday's ESPN Chicago posts:
• This date in Fire history: Oct. Click to continue reading...

On my ESPNChicago.com Chicago Fire blog, I take a quick look at some international soccer news involving a couple of former Fire players. Most noteworthy was Rennes defender Carlos Bocanegra, who returned from his one-game suspension.
• From red to green: Former Fire defender helps Rennes blank Montpellier Click to continue reading...

On my ESPNChicago.com Chicago Fire blog, I name my regular-season MVP for 2009: defender Wilman Conde. Sure, he missed a third of the season, but quite a few others on this team have missed extended time, too. Read the below links from Friday's ESPN Chicago posts:
• Conde is Fire's MVP
• This date in Fire history: Oct. Click to continue reading...

On Friday, the Chicago Red Stars signed Oswego native and DePaul standout Julianne Sitch. She played this past season for the Women's Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC out in New Jersey.
CLICK HERE for the team's release. Click to continue reading...

Chris Armas inducted into Ring of Fire
The Chicago Fire clinched a playoff berth Thursday with a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA. And at halftime, former Fire midfielder Chris Armas was inducted into the Fire's "Ring of Fire" Hall of Fame.
Links to my ESPNChicago.com stories are below:
Chris Armas: Ring of Fire 2009 inductee
Fire muster momentum heading into playoffs

Click to continue reading...

The Chicago Fire host Chivas USA for a 7 p.m. match Thursday at Toyota Park. With a win or draw, Chicago guarantees itself a postseason spot.
Here are several links posted Wednesday at my ESPNChicago.com Chicago Fire blog:
• Chivas vs. Fire notebook: Fire defender Conde questionable with flu-like symptoms
• Zach Thornton: 'I'm glad I got through it': Catching up with the ex-Fire goalkeeper
• This date in Chicago Fire history: Oct. Click to continue reading...

For my latest bits of Chicago Fire news, notes, commentary and interviews, feel free to bookmark my ESPNChicago.com Fire page. I anticipate updating it on a daily basis, with several posts per day on occasion.
My first entry includes a detailed look at the Fire's playoff scenario entering Thursday's match against Chivas USA. Click to continue reading...

Playoff berth still eludes Chicago entering final week
The Chicago Fire and New England Revolution both had opportunities on the offensive end, more so for the Revs. When everything was said and done, Chicago took some minimal satisfaction in pulling off a scoreless draw Saturday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Click to continue reading...

Chicago Red Stars forward and University of Illinois All-American Ella Masar is headed to Augsburg, Germany, as she joins the U.S. Women's National Team for the squad's Oct. 29 match against defending FIFA World Cup champion Germany. However, the U.S. WNT loses another Red Star with midfielder Megan Rapinoe undergoing knee surgery Friday. Click to continue reading...

The last time the Chicago Fire won a game was a thrilling 3-2 comeback against the visiting Colorado Rapids on Aug. 23, erasing a 2-0 second-half deficit. Since then, Chicago has posted a 0-2-3 record.
The Fire clearly want to get out of their funk, especially since they still control their own playoff fate. Click to continue reading...