Down to the Fire....err, wire....

The Chicago fire are leaving it to the last minute to qualify for the playoffs. At this point, they must win on Sunday against Bexx and the rest of the L.A. Galaxy to clinch the final spot. As it is, the teams they are vying for may well eliminate themselves before Sunday- L.A. has to win on Thursday against N.Y., and both Colorado and K.C. play Saturday. Depending on the results of thosae games, the Fire may not have to win or even tie against Bexx. But........

The Fire have had a great turnaround this season. New players have played a great deal in the turnaround. C. Blanco has been a God send for the team. Without any sort of real offensive punch the whole season until he arrived, then team is now dangerous when they have the ball. Palo Wanchope (pictured rite), a forward, has not had as great an impact as Blanco, but he adds to the talent up front. And William Conde, a big defender who will bring the ball forward, has been a boon for the defense.

Injured players have returned. Chris Rolfe, and Chad Barret have returned from nagging injuries, and hopefully Justin Mapp will be healthy for the playoffs. All are needed by the team.

With the new and returning players, new coach Juan Carlos Osario has had more of an opportunity than the fired Dave Sachrin to switch players on the field. Chris Armas, a decade long fixture on the Fire , has been switched from a defensive midfielder role to the out and out defensive position of stopper. He had been counted on to win the ball and then start the counter attack for years now. However, w/ Blanco now taking over the playmaking role in midfield Armas has a strong presence in the back. Another change has been usin Rolfe in the midfield. He had been playing the role of front runner inn the past, but was put into the midfield when he returned frok injury. In place of him, Barret and Wanchope have taken ove rthe runner and terget roles, w/ Sanjaya-- err, Calen Carr-- having the role as late game sub runner.

The Fire, healthy, look pretty good. Here I say, but: they could very well win the MLS Cup this year. The team has been coming to-gether the second half of the season, and anythiong can happen in the playoffs.

But first= let's qualify.