Tomorrow, the red hot Fire will take on Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United at Toyota Park.

With 38 points, Chicago isn't going to catch D.C. United (52 points) atop the East. That said, it's an important game for the Fire who need to take home at least a point to remain in sole posession of second place in the East as the playoffs approach. If Chicago fails to take home a point tomorrow against the best in the east, and New England defeats the fifth place New York Red Bulls; then New England will move into a tie for second place with the Fire.

In 2006 MLS and U.S. Open Cup play, the Fire hold a 1-1-1 record with United. So the season series has obviously been pretty evenly matched.

It's also been pretty physical though. So far this season, in only three games between the two teams, 8 cautions have been handed out.

Fire midfielder, Logan Pause was ejected after receiving two yellow cards during the June 21st matchup. And just two weeks ago, United defender Facundo Erpen was red carded when he took a late, cleats high, slide tackle from behind on Thiago. Fire captain, Chris Armas then shoved Erpen. That set off a brief scuffle amongst the two teams and Armas was promptly red-carded and ejected as well (the first straight to red ejection of his ten year career). So with the playoffs just around the corner, it's safe to say that physical style of play will continue.

Rookie forward, Calen Carr lit up the United defense for two goals in the Fire's September 6th victory.

The Bridgeview faithful will finally get their wish. Carr will likely see increased playing time starting tomorrow. Yesterday, Fire forward, Chad Barrett was added to the season ending injury list and Carr would be the likely replacement.

Goalkeeper Zack Thornton, still nursing a strained quadricep, is questionable for tomorrow's matchup. Matt Pickens would once again make the start in his absence. Pickens has given up only two goals, as the replacement starter, in the past four games.

Flashy, seventeen year old, United midfielder, Freddy Adu will, as always, be somebody to watch. Adu tallied his second goal of the season last week against Real Salt Lake via a stunning free kick from twenty yards out (the goal of the week winner).

Before the game, the Fire will honor the 1981 Chicago Sting team. 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the Sting's victory over the New York Cosmos in the 1981 NASL Soccer Bowl Championship.

The Men in Red will be looking to rebound from a loss last Wednesday in Colorado that snapped a 9 game unbeaten streak.

After a 7 game winning streak, just before the All-Star break, D.C. United has won only twice in ten games since the break.

Tomorrow's matchup will air live, from beautiful Bridgeview, IL, on Chicago's southside, at 3pm Central on ESPN 2.