:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/534738/GYI0060074851.jpg)
Tonight is going to be a very special night indeed for Fire fans. Not only do we get to see the Men in Red continue their recent form of improving play, but CJ Brown gets inducted into the Ring of Fire tonight. The Fire legend certainly deserves such a highly regarded honor. How great will it be to see his name, number, and jersey every time you go to Toyota Park now? We have truly been blessed to have a player like CJ represent us for so many years. Most MLS clubs don't have a player anywhere near what CJ accomplished or has meant to the Fire. He is truly in a class of his own and I can't wait to watch the ceremonies tonight.
Going back to the game at hand, the Fire have steadily solidified the last 3 weeks. After the late winner at Toronto FC, the Men in Red put in another strong performance against Seattle but luck was not on our side. That form carried through to the Chivas game with the Fire coming away with all 3 points via a late Marco Pappa winner. Chicago faces a tall task tonight against a very good team, but it is a game that I am confident we can win. We are looking much more in form now that we are playing regular games, and Marco Pappa has also been in fine form recently too which always makes us a more dangerous team.
If there is ever a good time to play RSL, it could be now. Nick Rimando will not make the trip, putting a very inexperienced Kyle Reynish in goal. Clearly one key to tonight's game for the Fire will be to pepper the goal at any and all opportunities. One sure way to rattle a goalkeeper, especially one that doesn't see regular action, is to force him to make lots of saves and decisions. Another key loss is that of Fabian Espindola, as one of our HTIOT members mentioned in our Fire/RSL Preview article. That is another huge blow for RSL and one we need to take advantage of.
As is customary, starting lineups will be posted when announced. Please join us for the fun that is a gamethread and help cheer on our Men in Red!