A successful trip to Gilette Stadium puts the Chicago Fire near the top of the MLS table as the team continues its domination of bitter rival New England. Backdraft takes a look back at Saturday's 3-0 victory with two different reports.

Marty Groark brings us a brief break down followed by a longer editorial by Backdraft's Michael Giacometti.

After an incredible 4-0 trouncing of the Revolution at home in their first match up this year, many Fire fans thought it might be difficult to repeat such a dominatant performance when the Fire traveled to New England for their game on Saturday, but Chicago was able to execute just that with another big win against a struggling conference rival. The Fire were able to follow up their previous goalscoring clinic in April with 3 more against the Revolution on a chilly night at Gilette stadium.

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The Fire XI

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...

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