The New England Revolution have broken the hearts of the Chicago Fire and their fans the last few seasons. The 2008 playoffs look to have been penned by a different scriptwriter, as the obstacles have been stacked against the Revs to make it out of the first round against their Eastern Conference foes.

From a Revolution perspective, this looks bleak.

Taylor Twellman has been ruled out this season due to injuries related to a concussion sustained a few weeks ago. The tough-as-nails forward appears to have put his body through the grinder one too many times and has now paid the price. Playmaker Steve Ralston is out with a broken leg, Khano Smith and Gabriel Badilla are sitting out due to red cards earned in their last match and Adam Cristman is out due to toe surgery.

The Fire have a wealth of talent, have everyone healthy and routed the Red Bulls one week ago 5-2. They have outscored their Thursday night opponents 15-5 this season and swept the three game series with the Revolution scoring nine and allowing one goal.

Continue reading the three keys to a Fire victory from ASN’s Chicago correspondent.