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. They take on the host New England Revolution at 5 p.m. (CST) Saturday at Gillette Stadium (game televised on Fox Soccer Channel).
Chicago (10-7-11, 41 points) has had two weeks off to heal up and shore up a few things. The return of Chris Rolfe (pictured) from a hamstring injury certainly is a pick-me-up. Cuauhtemoc Blanco also should be available, though Blanco's recent Mexican national team work probably will be taken into consideration for head coach Denis Hamlett's lineup.
The Fire-Revs rivalry always is a heated one. New England (10-10-8, 38 points) is hanging in there with the eighth playoff spot if the season ended prior to this match. The Revs have found a way to win among the most dire circumstances on the injury front, and head coach Steve Nicol somehow, some way gets the most out of his players.
Chicago is not in for an easy match Saturday, that is for sure. But with a league-high six road victories, the Fire have mounted some significant accomplishments away from Toyota Park. This one should clinch another playoff berth: Fire 1, Revolution 0
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