Optimism has come full circle following last Thursday's opener with the Revolution. Now, the Fire head West to take on the expansion Earthquakes brimming with confindence on the offensive end. Coach Hamlett has already said several times that he will start the attackers with the best chemistry, but after last game's display, its hard to deny that the current squad is firing on all cylinders. We have to think that the same lineup will be sent out up top, with Frankowski and Barrett getting service from Mapp, Blanco, and Rolfe. The ability to slice and dice is there, as the Quakes defense struggled in their opener against the Galaxy.
In defense, injuries and recovery times are working hand in hand to make almost the entire back line a series of question marks. Daniel Woolard? At this point we wouldn't be all that surprised. However, considering the recent reserve matches, Dasan Robinson's return or even a Wilman Conde sighting could be in the cards. CJ Brown resumed full training this Monday, but is still doubtful to see much playing time considering how other rehabs have gone this season. Brandon Prideaux has also given the backline some quality depth. Ahead of them is the reliable Logan Pause, doing whatever it is Logan Pause does, and lately that has been whatever it takes to hold the defensive midfield.
In net, Jon Busch brings experience, communication, and fire to the defense, already winning over his fair share of fans this season.
More on the opposition and injuries after the jump...
After Chicago's 4-nil annihilation of the New England Revolution at the Fire's home opener in Bridgeview, none of the 15,553 present in the stadium had a bigger smile than rookie Head Coach Denis Hamlett once the game ended. In fact, the entire locker room was happy and smiling: it was hard not to feel like this year was going to be a little special.
During post game interviews every player was quick to credit almost every one of his teammates by name for their performance in the win. Watching some of the players change and joke around with each other, it was easy to see just how comfortable each player is on the team. And it seems to be showing itself on the field now.
Backdraft was there to soak in the winning atmosphere.
4-0? Not bad. Despite the promises of the official game guide, the Fire were unchanged from last Saturday and every player who disappointed against Real Salt Lake made amends last night. A brilliant performance, and Backdraft will be updated later with further reaction, analysis and highlights.
Section 8 also showed up in force. According to one longtimer on the Section 8 forums, the turnout of well over 1,000 in Sections 117 and 118 marked the largest supporters' gathering ever at a Fire home game. The overall attendance of 15,552 was also solid for the earliest ever home opener, on a frigid cold and wet Thursday night.
Below are a few more photos of Section 8 before the game. We will add more from during the game later on; if you have any for us to use, please add them to the Section 8 Flickr group .
Update, April 9th: Many new official Section 8 photos added below.
Imagine you watch a kid playing in a Chicago Fire shirt for the youth Academy at the age of fifteen, who catches your eye and makes you think 'he's a bit special'. Then fast-forward five years, and he's scoring the winning goal in an MLS match for the Fire's senior team having signed directly with the club two years earlier.
For the first time ever, that scenario is possible in the future. Last July, the Chicago Fire became the first MLS team to make their Academy, which covers players from age of 13-17, free for all participants. The Academy consists of 44 players making up two teams, at U-16 and U-18 levels.
Throughout the season, Backdraft will be following the Academy closely, and today we explain the set-up and its importance for the future of the Fire.
The Fire salvaged a point in the 92nd minute of the season opener thanks to a fine strike by Blanco, after Real Salt Lake had taken the lead twenty minutes earlier. We'll have a full wrap-up of the game later, but for now, you can watch the highlights at the MLS site and consider the varied reaction to the game below:
The Fire XI
Imagine you watch a kid playing in a Chicago Fire shirt for the youth Academy at the age of fifteen, who catches your eye and makes you think 'he's a bit special'. Then fast-forward five years, and he's scoring the winning goal in an MLS match for the Fire's senior team having signed directly with the club two years earlier. 
The Fire salvaged a point in the 92nd minute of the season opener thanks to a fine strike by Blanco, after Real Salt Lake had taken the lead twenty minutes earlier. We'll have a full wrap-up of the game later, but for now, you can watch the highlights at 
