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This week, MLS fans will move to the edge of their seats. The playoffs are right around the bend and some teams' playoff hopes ride on this week's results. This week, we're interested on checking out the Chicago Fire versus the New York Red Bulls.
The New York Red Bulls currently have a grasp on the final playoff spot for being in eighth place. With other teams are still battling to secure a playoff slot, a win for the Red Bulls Thursday night would guarantee them a post-season position. The NY team will once again be looking to Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel to spearhead its offensive threat. Angel has been the team's leading scorer, notching five goals and one assist in the past five games. However, last week's goal had its price. A collision with Columbus Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum left Angel with an injured knee. However, he is looking to be fit in time to face Chicago.
The Chicago Fire, on the other hand, has no pre-playoff stress, having long secured its spot in post-season play. Even so, one player to watch is the Fire's Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The player from Mexico has scored three goals and supplied three assists in Chicago's past four games.
Both teams have strength up front, and we're anticipating an intense game with an emphasis on attack because of the heightened playoff pressures. One last note that may or may not play into the game's dynamics: Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio was the head coach of the Fire during the 2007 campaign. Now he will be facing the team he spurned . . . a team that may be itching to spoil the Red Bulls playoff chances. The match will be airing on "MLS Primetime Thursday" on ESPN2.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Chicago Fire host New York Red Bulls, 9:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, Oct. 25
New England Revolution host Kansas City Wizards, 8:30 p.m. ET
Colorado Rapids host Real Salt Lake, 10:30 p.m. ET
San Jose Earthquake host Toronto FC, 11:00 p.m. ET
Chivas USA host Houston Dynamo, 11:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Oct. 26
Los Angeles Galaxy host FC Dallas, 3:00 p.m. ET
Columbus Crew host DC United, 5:00 p.m. ET