Hot Fire

If it's true that defense wins championships, then we might not want to give D.C. United the trophy just yet. The Supporter's Shield, yes, but not the championship hardware. The Chicago Fire, winners of five straight (three league games and two U.S. Open Cup matches), are currently the MLS' hottest team and strongest defense.

After wallowing in the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings for the first four months of the season, the Fire have surrendered only one goal in August while winning all five of their matches this month. And with their next two league matches at home, the Fire look poised to be the first team to take control of the second spot in the East. They are currently tied for second with the Revs, a squad that has succumbed to the Fire twice this month and looked sluggish Sunday night in earning their first win since early July.

This edition of the Fire has always been physical defensively with Chris Armas as the holding midfielder and the sturdy C.J. Brown anchoring the back, but the Fire have added a productive attack of late - and it has started with those known traditionally as defenders. Indeed, Chris Armas has notched an assist in each of the last three games he has started.

Yesterday, I wrote again of the Revolution's struggles to find their footing despite being, in my estimation, the second most talented team in the East. But with the Fire displaying such a commitment to defend as well as an ability to score, they have to be the favorite to win the second playoff seed.