The Chicago Fire’s visit to the Columbus Crew for Thursday’s Eastern Conference final will mark the return to Ohio of two key players from the Crew’s past. One is Fire forward Brian McBride, who from 1996 to 2003 scored 71 goals in 183 appearances for the Crew. The other is Jon Busch, the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year who came back to form at Chicago after being waived by the Crew last year. At the time, Busch spoke out frankly about the way he’d been treated by Columbus and coach Sigi Schmid.
Of course both players say that now all they’re focused on is the game, and winning it. “For me personally, it’s a sidebar,” said McBride. “I do have some history, but it’s not the important thing I’m going to be focusing on.”
With things having gone so well this season, Busch is no longer bitter about his booting. “It has worked out for both parties,” he said. “But this is one more game. The importance, regardless of who the opponent is, is huge. The winner goes to the Cup. The loser goes home.”
The teams tied 2-2 in both of their league meetings, while the Fire eliminated the Crew from the U.S. Open Cup. Chicago was the only MLS team that the Crew did not beat in the regular season.