Fire Look For a Win in Columbus

By Todd McClamroch in News on Apr 14, 2006 8:10PM

It is way too early to say the Chicago Fire are in a must win position this weekend but the combination of starting the season with a loss and a tie and seven straight games on the road ahead, a victory against division rival Columbus Crew is very important.

Saturday's game against the Crew represents the Fire's best opportunity to earn three points during the first half of this long road trip. The Columbus Crew return home after losing two road games, both by a 3-1 tally, and must be concerned that the Fire probably feel more at home at Crew Stadium then they do. The Fire are unbeaten in three games in Columbus and hold the series lead in Columbus 6-5-3.

Chicagoist is anxious to see if Fire Coach Dave Sarachan works forward Nate Jaqua into the line-up as he is almost 100% recovered from his MCL sprain. Forward Chad Barrett will likely get the start and play with great motivation knowing Sarachan can substitute him for the now healthy Jaqua if necessary. We hope the competition up top combined with the generous Crew defense of late will result in a goal scoring barrage for the Fire.

The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 3pm. If you want to watch the game with a crowd and a pint, Chicagoist suggests going to the Globe Pub on Irving Park in North Center, a very pro-Fire establishment.