Chicago Clinches Home Field vs. Revs

Beat New York; Hold Tiebreaker Over New England

October 24, 2008

By Nick Williams

With their 5-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls Thursday night, the Chicago Fire clinched home-field advantage against the Revolution in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Fire, which rode a hat trick and two assists from Chris Rolfe in last night’s romp over hapless New York, will host the second leg of the two-game aggregate goals series with the Revs.

Steve Nicol and Taylor Twellman will be gearing up for the Fire. (CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

The means New England will host the Fire in the first game, set for next Thursday at 8 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

Chicago’s win over New York gave the club 46 points, three more than the Revs’ 43. Even if the Revs beat Kansas City in their season finale Saturday, Chicago would hold the tiebreaker because it holds the advantage in the season series.

It’s the sixth time in seven seasons the two clubs have squared off in the postseason, including each season since 2005. The Revs have defeated Chicago four times in the playoffs and in each of the last three seasons, have topped the Fire to advance to MLS Cup.

The second game of the semifinal series will be played at the Fire’s Toyota Park, on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 8:30 p.m.

For ticket information for the Revs’ finale Saturday or Game One of the MLS Postseason, call 1-877-GET-REVS.

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