Shake It Like a Polaroid Playoff Picture

We are just hours away from a full weekend of Major Leagues Soccer. As Ryan posted yesterday, things are looking pretty good for the Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference. The keys matches for Fire fans to keep an eye on after the jump.

Houston Dynamo @ Sporting Kansas City - 7:30 p.m. CST - NBC Sports Network

This is a pretty big fixture for both sides. Houston wins, and they get to bounce over Chicago and New York. Although, everyone in the playoff race has a game in hand on Houston. Sporting wins, and they will pull even in points in the Supporter's Shield Race with San Jose. Both of these teams should be well rested and very motivated to get a win. This should be a fun one to watch.

Columbus Crew @ New York Red Bulls - 6:00 p.m. CST - MLS Live

This will be the red Bulls first game this month. Their last match was a 2-2 draw in DC on August 29th. The Red Bulls didn't look too impressive in their last two matches, but both of those were on the road. At home, New York still has yet to to be defeated.

Columbus had a bucket of cold water tossed on them in their 2-0 loss against New England. It will be interesting to see if Columbus can regain that momentum. A win could move them into a tie with Houston if Houston loses.

DC United @ New England Revolution - 6:30 p.m. CST - MLS Live

DC is rested and going to be looking for redemption after getting through the nasty part of their scheduled. Oh, and they also lost Dwayne De Rosario for the rest of the season. Things in DC just got very interesting.

Hopefully New England can do another solid for the Fire by handing DC a second consecutive loss. DC have beaten the Revs twice this year, but it was not easy (first match; second match). It's been four months since thee two teams last played, and a lot has changed for each side. This match could go either way.