Bexx

The most important thing being that the fire finally clinched a playoff spot. yes, yes, Bexx was there, and I was fully into enjoyinng the spectacle- but the guts were into thinking that this may be the final Fire game of the year.

But it will not be= John Thorrington's goal (the Fire's ex Manchester United player- a little less famous that his former 'teamate' on L.A.) in the 90+m ensures that the season goes on=D.C. United will be in town for the first round playoff game this Thursday nite.

As the final weekend of the season played out, this game determined the final spot in the playoffs= the Fire needed only to tie, but L.A. had to win it. The importance of this game led to a lot of conspiracy theorists coming out claiming that the league office and referee's would be favouring Beckhams team over the Fire, and the crowd was onto this possible facet of the game early. Three plays in the penalty areas drew loud boos from the crowd when they suspected that L.A. players were diving. Another loud round of boos from a non call on a fire player. Although the Fire didn't deserve a penalty call from this play, it was nice that the crowd was being proactive in telling the referee "WE ARE WATCHING YOU".

No question that the Fire were the better team. Except for some scary minutes in the mid 70's, they generally had the run of play. There was a lot of nice passing and attacking flare. The additions of Blanco, Paluo Wanchope, and William Conde have made a world of difference in the offense. This was particularly apparent with Williams Conde's increased role in the offense. I am not sure why- I think that enough players are finally healthy- but coach Osario switched his defense once again. Instead of having Chris Armas play a stopper role, ((stopper is a defensive role rite where a defensive minded player plays directly in front of the his defenders. He is supposed to hassles/pressure the ball when its brought forward.)), Osario paired Armas and Conde in a dual back midfielders role. Conde was brilliant in the attack- he has gained more and more experience w/ the team and his addition is beginning to make as big a difference as Blancos. He reminds me of the old Fire star Lubos Kubic- a big solid defender who took the ball forward often. It will be great to see his role this Thursday.

Who wasn't on wa Chad Barret. Too many missed passes, dribbling into the feet of the other team, etc.... He had a bad game. Ominously for him, his replacement Thorrington scored the game winner. I have not been in practice with the team and do not know of the intricicies of osarios team, but Thorrington should maybe get an extended look up forward. Anything but Barrets muffs.

Anf his muffs were important. The game was tied @ zero past the 90m when the Fire finally scored- but one cheap L.A. goal could have sunk the Fires season. Oftentimes it doesn't amatter who the better team was when one measly cheal goal is scored.

And L.A. had many such cheap chances. In the 30's, there were two dangerous plays- a corner kick, and then a nice cross from the left that showed two Galaxy players oipen for an instant. Then the Galaxy had some chance in the mid 70's. They repeatedly played the ball up the rite flank. Each time the crowd had to hold its breath as long as the game remained tied.

And then there was Bexx. This being Chicago, home of Section 8, Bexx was booed when he started to warm up on the sidelines during the first half. However, this being Bexx, he was also ceered. No secret plenty in the sold out crowd were there for the appearance of the Spice Boy (but the truth was that most were there to see the Fire clinch a spot in the playoffs). But it was great to see him finally playing the Fire. This being a Fire crowd, Bexx, he got huge cheers when he came into the game in the 58m (his teammate Landon Donovan gets the same thing- he is merciless taunted by Section 8 during MLS matches, but he is worshipped during USA games in Chicago. Duality of man, I guess). He was also taunted by a shitty shot he took near the end of the game. Stated before, he didn't have much affect on game, although he looked sharp on hois passes. The Galaxy did start to attack up the rite and Bexx was a part of it; but it wouldn't be correct to say he a massive stamp on the play. It was only his second game back after his latest round of injuries.