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Thursday, The Chicago Fire will be hosting the New England Revolution for the second game of Major League Soccer (MLS) first-round playoffs. The game's result will send one team home and the victor to the MLS Eastern Conference Finals.

On Thursday, each team will likely shift its respective approach from regular season tactics.

The Revolution will emphasize defense, as injuries have sidelined striker Taylor Twellman, midfielder Steve Ralston, and forward Adam Cristman, the team's leading scorers and playmakers. Even with these vital players in street clothes, it's encouraging that during the first game these two teams played, the Revolution dominated possession of the ball. The team had possession of the ball 61 percent of the time and fired 11 shots with 4 on target and 6 corner kicks. They will likely approach Thursday's game with a stronger defensive mindset and quick counter attacks through strikers Kheli Dube and Kenny Mansally, who have great pace, if a lack of experience.

The Fire, on the other hand, had a mere 39 percent possession, five shots total with 3 on goal, and 3 corners in the last contest between these two teams. Yet this is a new game, and a new opportunity. We suggest fans keep their eyes on the Fire's attacking threat, specifically strikers Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride. Both players have great movement on the pitch and will be looking to expose and penetrate any holes in the Revolution's defense.

Of note: these teams have met in the playoff six times in the past seven seasons, and this match marks the fourth consecutive playoff meetings between these teams. The game will be broadcast during "MLS Primetime Thursday" on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m. ET.


Thursday, Nov. 6
Chicago Fire hosts New England Revolution. 8:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, Nov. 8
Columbus Crew hosts Kansas City Wizards. 6:30 p.m. ET

Chivas USA hosts Real Salt Lake. 9:30 p.m. ET

Sunday, Nov. 9
Houston Dynamo hosts New York Red Bulls. 2:00 p.m. ET