(The MLS playoffs continue tonight with the first game of the New England-Chicago quarterfinal series. Soccer America Senior Editor Ridge Mahoney breaks down the series.)

BY RIDGE MAHONEY

On to the showcase series of the quarterfinals, and not just because Game 1 Thursday will be the only postseason match nationally televised until MLS Cup 2002 on Oct. 20.

The Cinderella Angle has the Revs scraping into the playoffs — done that — and by knocking off Chicago and (fill in the blank) reaching MLS Cup 2002 as host in the spanking-new Gillette Stadium packed to the brim with long-suffering New Englanders and duplicating the Kraft Conglomerate's capture of the NFL title with the Patriots.

The Survivor Angle has Chicago's band of gamers and game-breakers leaving Cinderella home and then turning the page in their own fairy tale by reaching their third final in five years despite an injury-riddled campaign.

However it works, out it will be riveting stuff.

No. 2 NEW ENGLAND vs. No. 7 CHICAGO

Season: Chicago 2-1-1. Goals: 8-5.

Despite the injuries that decimated its lineup, the Fire conceded 38 goals, third-lowest in the league. The amazing Revs set a league first by leading MLS in both goals scored and goals allowed with 49s in both categories.

Both teams struggled to .500 marks at home: New England (7-7-0) and Chicago (5-5-4). Chicago narrowly wins the road comparison (6-8-0 to 5-7-2). The Fire fell in four straight games before winning its finale, 2-1, over Columbus to reach the postseason. That four-game skid started with a 2-1 loss to the Revs in Naperville.

On the other hand, both of the Fire's wins against New England came in Gillette Stadium.

New England cast off its lethargy to win five of its last six and snag the conference crown on head-to-head results at the Crew's expense.

Chicago has the stronger, more experienced lineup. New England has Taylor Twellman and a self-belief never before seen along Route 1, which is incidentally the style of play preached by Coach Steve Nicol.

ATTACK: If Ante Razov (13 goals, 8 assists) and Peter Nowak (2, 4) are healthy, the Fire can crack a Revs back line that conceded only three goals in its last six games, but it will need Dema Kovalenko (1, 7) and DaMarcus Beasley (3, 3) to run at people as well. And its long past time for Hristo Stoitchkov to stay on the field and out of the referee's notebook. Twellman (23, 6) and Steve Ralston (5, 19) are the obvious go-to guys for New England. Yet the critical factor may be whether or not Wolde Harris (4, 0) can hold the ball, take pressure off Twellman and find teammates moving up in support.

Edge: Even.

MIDFIELD: Jesse Marsch's bad ankle is bad news for Chicago. He's been the glue to keeping the midfield together in the absence of Chris Armas. Beasley must turn on the jets, get into the box — and also help contain Ralston. If rookie Kelly Gray gets time, he must cast off the inconsistency he struggled through during the regular season. Daniel Hernandez and Leo Cullen don't dance but are reliable workers. A game could be decided on a free kick — the Fire has a tendency to foul carelessly within shooting range of its net — and that means Hernandez. Brian Kamler has done a good job on the left by keeping it simple.

Edge: New England.

DEFENSE: Daouda Kante has brought some calm to temper the fury of Joey Franchino and Rusty Pierce. Carlos Llamosa has loads of big-game experience. Jay Heaps has improved but is still vulnerable at right back. The Fire has blown games in the final minutes by conceding goals on half-clearances, second balls and breakdowns. Carlos Bocanegra and C.J. Brown must be efficient and decisive.

Edge: Even.

GOALKEEPER: Zach Thornton (1.24, 7 SHO) has endured a shaky game or two but has a 0.94 goals-allowed mark in postseason tussles. He's played 21 of them. Adin Brown (1.23, 5 SHO) seems to have exorcised the demons of indecision and clumsy footwork that plagued him in past seasons. He has been strong and secure the past two months.

Edge: Chicago.

Prediction: The Fire spoils a good story.