NOV. 2 SOCCER LINKS

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?

MLS PLAYOFFS: REVOLUTION 2, FIRE 1

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.

OCT. 31 SOCCER LINKS

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?
• Ella Masar Blog: Red Stars forward comments on the U.S. WNT vs. Germany match

OCT. 29 SOCCER LINKS

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. Crystal Lake native and Boston Breakers defender Amy LePeilbet started in defense. Former Red Star and current Sky Blue FC midfielder Carli Lloyd also got the start.

FAMILIAR FACES

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.

FIRE TO FACE REVS IN PLAYOFFS

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. 25, 1998: Expansion Fire end D.C. United's early reign, win MLS Cup
• Fire face Revolution in Round 1

BOCANEGRA RETURNS FROM SUSPENSION

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

WHO IS THE FIRE'S 2009 MVP?

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. 23, 2008: Chris Rolfe's three first-half goals lead Fire past Red Bulls