2007 Eastern Conference Championship - Chicago vs. New England

Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution
7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
TV: ESPN2

Tonight decides who will represent the Eastern Conference in MLS Cup 2007. Will it be the hard charging, Blanco fueled, giant killers Chicago Fire or the always dependable, Matt Reis backed New England Revolution?

Without a doubt, Chicago has had a good run of form over the last couple months, but it really has not been as impressive as it sounds. Yes, they have not lost in their last 10 league matches, however, six of those games ended in ties and they scored one goal or less in seven of them. It makes for a good record but when you are in a must win situation, it doesn't hold up as well.

The Revolution have had a bit of a bumpier ride in terms of results and they looked a little soft against New York in the first round, but overall, they hold a number of key advantages. First, they are playing on turf in their own house. Second, they have a goalkeeper who is getting close to top form. Third, they have multiple scoring options. Fourth, unlike DC, injuries are not hurting a number of key players.

All of these will make Chicago's job extremely difficult, but there biggest issue is the same one they have had all year, failure to score. The Fire have the fewest goals of any playoff team (31) and are second worse when compared to the league as a whole (TFC holds the bottom spot at 25). This lack of attack, especially up against a keeper like Matt Reis, is what will doom them.

On the other side of things, the Revs have one of the most productive offensives in the league and with seven of their regular starters having two or more goals, this productivity is not limited to one area. This will force Chicago to pull players back behind the ball, meaning they will again be counting on break aways and counter attacks to see them through this match.

A very telling thing to look at concerning the Fire is the way they played in the first leg of the DC series. When they went up a goal, they said that they were going to push it in order to get a second. But what happened? The team didn't know how to push forward and instead they wasted the clock and helm off a limping United. So even when they decided to push forward, they could not.

Without a doubt Blanco will play a major role in Chicago's night, but which Blanco will it be? Will it be the Blanco from the first leg who gave away the ball over 40 times or the Blanco of the second leg who was placing the balls were needed and catching the United defense cheating? But the center of attention might not be the most important person to watch as the Fire will need Chad Barrett and Chris Rolfe roaming into the final third regularly if they hope to beat Reis.

The Revs will call on one of the best midfields in the league to dictate this game. Steve Ralston and Andy Dorman have made trouble for their opposition all season with Jeff Larentowicz and Khano Smith adding a great fight to the center. On defense, Michael Parkhurst has been making a case for international duty with his 'defend hard, defend everywhere' style while Jay Heaps likes to get involved when numbers are needed. Combine all this will Pat Noonan and Taylor Twellman and you have all the makings of a whooping.

Chciago might be able to hold off that whooping due to their strong defensive work, however that normally is the result of keeping 10-players behind the ball, meaning that if they go down to the Revs, their style will open up as they push forward, resulting in more possible chances for New England.

Predictions:
Me: CF 0-2 NE
Wife : CF 2-1 NE
But the wife did not stop there, she predicts that NE will go up a goal in the first half hour, Chicago will tie it just a few minutes after halftime and get the winner sometime between the 82-86'. Specific enough for you?

Matt Reis and the Revolution

Matt Reis (pictured) has extended his stay with the New England Revolution. He had already signed on for the 2007 season, but his contract was renegotiated and extended.

Matt Reis might just be the reason his club made it to the MLS Cup last season. Without his amazing 141 saves and 1.09 goals-against average, the Revolution would have been in New York territory. He can be a bit of a thug at times, but in the end, he keeps their net empty.

In other New England news, midfielder Shalrie Joseph with miss their MLS opener against Chicago tomorrow. He strained his right calf during an exhibition game in Baton Rouge, LA, on March 28. With possible replacements Joe Franchino and Daniel Hernandez out, coach Steve Nicol has not decided whom he will play, but he will keep a 3-5-2 lineup.

"I haven't made my mind up," Nicol said of possible changes. "We have tried a couple things and we'll see how it works out. The game is all about whoever is playing, they are strong and they put their chest out and show what they are made of. We expect whoever is playing to do the job."

Finally, the Hartford Courant believes this will finally be the year for the Revolution, pointing out the veteran status of the team as the made reason why.

"I think we have a good solid core of players and the young guys have shown us something," Revs coach Steve Nicol said. "We'll look to strengthen the team with more experience and proven ability, but we're concentrating on what we've got. If we do that, we'll give anybody a game."

Twellman, with a new four-year contract, said he is where he wants to be. He remains one of the league's top scorers, with 75 goals in five seasons, including 11 in 2006, and it will help to have a healthy Pat Noonan back at his side. Noonan played just 14 games last season because of injuries and is cleared to play after recent hernia surgery. Rookie Adam Cristman from Virginia has shown promise in the preseason and could help up front.

They do have some real talent, but then again, they also had it last year and had it not been for Reis, they might have missed the playoffs. Also, the point to Joe Franchino as a vet to help carry to, however given that he is out for who knows long due to personal issues, it might be best to look elsewhere for support.