Five out of every six times

For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the New England Revolution ended the Chicago Fire season, this year in the MLS' s Eastern Conference championship 1-0 last nite. Played in 32 degree weather, the Fire outplayed the Revolution for a lot of the game. A stunning bicycle goal from Taylor Twellman in the 38m was the only goal scored.

The Fire was not going to score this nite. The offense was terrible. Paloa Wanchope started and had a lame game. Although the ball was sent into him often enough, any attempt to run plays off of him ended up with New England getting the ball. Chad Barret went back to his ineffectual self. Like Wanchope, any ball @ his feet was immediately lost. It was frustrating watching him try to take on New England defenders and having him kick it into their shins every time. Q Blanco, the huge kick starter to the Fires offense, was also ineffectual. He didn't have a bad game, but what can one do when service to his forwards led immediately to the ball being controlled off of Barrets or Wanchopes legs. After New England scored it seemed that it would be the only goal- unfortunately it was.

The goal was spectacular- it seemed that such an effort was the only way any goal was to be scored between these two teams this nite. Although the Fire's defense could be shaky in parts of the game, for the most part it was tight. The week before the game, any interviews by the Fires defenders stressed how they were practicing defending against crosses into the box. And yes, on a long cross into the boxx, Twellman had two Fire defenders on him- seemed he was defended well. But there was just enough space in between Dasan Robinson and Logan Pause for Twellman to totally jump head over heels backwards and strike the ball true. Even Fire goalie "Slim" Pickens seemed to be in position. However, it was struck true and out go the Fire.

As time ran in the second half, it seemed that the Fire would not score. It was one of those games - your basketball team can't seem to cut it to four, the baseball team stranding guys in scoring position, the football team never being able to string to-gether two first downs. The Fire tried, but in the end New England seemed bigger, stronger, and faster-- but only as the game wound down and the Fire pushed desperately for the tying goal.

The Fire seemed to just not be as cohesive as New England. New England now appears in the fourth final in seven seasons, although they have never won the title. The Fire, however, have revamped their roster this season. With Blanco, Wanchope, and William Conde playing a full season with younger players like Barret, Chris Rolfe, Justin Mapp, Dasan Robinson Gonzalo Segares, Logan Pause and Calen Carr will mean the Fire have a very brite future next season.

And it maybe time to say goodbye to Chris Armas. The great holding midfielder of the Fire, U.S. national team, and MLS had announced his retirement before the beginning of the season, but word is filtering out that he may may want to play next year. The Fire - or any other MLS team- would certainly want him back.

Spring training starts in February.