The Chicago Fire can win the MLS Cup!

That was my proclamation after witnessing their come-from-behind victory against the Columbus Crew Saturday night.

Over 19,000 fans jammed Toyota Park and watched Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson give a goal away on an errant pass. But there was no doubt that they would come back and win the game.

The ill-timed pass Johnson intended for defender Arne Friedrich went instead to an awaiting Jairo Arrieta, who caught Johnson out of position to score the goal in the 15th minute of play.

Instead of sulking, the Fire raised their intensity level and went on the attack offensively.

Fire forward and Kettering, Ohio native Chris Rolfe tied the match in the 23rd minute of play. Sharp passing by Sherjill MacDonald set up Rolfe’s goal beautifully.

As the crowd roared, Rolfe proved he was not finished, adding a go-ahead goal three minutes later. The goal ended up the game winner.

Fire coach Frank Klopas praised the effort of the team following the match in his post-game press conference:

“Yeah, obviously another great win for our team. Being here at home there is a fantastic atmosphere tonight from our fans. And I thought we had a very good start to the game. We made a mistake, we gave up the goal, but I gave so much credit to the team. You know, we never panicked, we kept playing the same way and we scored two very nice goals. We had some opportunities in the second half to put the game away and I think in the end it was a little bit difficult because as a tendency when you’re up we dropped a little bit off and then they played everything in the box. Lot of long balls, which is our strength. But in the end I thought it was a great win, lot of credit to the guys.”

The Fire does deserve the credit and they deserve the support of the fans.

With the Chicago Bears’ season underway and the Chicago White Sox in the middle of a division race, the Fire’s chase at the MLS Playoffs have gone somewhat unnoticed. They are not only in a legitimate position to make the playoffs, but they can win the MLS Cup.

The Fire has an all-important match Friday against Sporting Kansas City. The winner will have sole possession of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. If the Fire wins the match, the sky is the limit. Their comeback win versus the Crew this past Saturday left a lasting impression on the many who watched the game.

The Chicago Fire can win the MLS Cup!

Ernest Shepard is a Bleacher Report featured columnist, all quotes and observations were acquired firsthand.

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