MLS Eastern Conference capsules for the 2009 season

Chicago Fire

LAST YEAR: 13-10-7 (second place), lost to Columbus Crew in Eastern Conference final.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Denis Hamlett, F Cuauhtemoc Blanco, D C.J. Brown, G Jon Busch, D Wilman Conde, M Justin Mapp, F Brian McBride, M Logan Pause, F Chris Rolfe, D Gonzalo Segares, D Bakary Soumare, M John Thorrington.

WHO'S GONE: F Tomasz Frankowski, M Diego Gutierrez, M Stephen King.

WHO'S NEW: M Baggio Husidic.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Fire started out strong in 2008, with a 6-2-2 record in their first 10 games. They faltered mid-season but bounced back, heading to their third straight conference championship. Although Chicago finally made it past New England in the semis, they fell 2-1 to Columbus, the eventual MLS champion. Chicago will have a full season of Blanco and McBride working together up front. Mapp, Rolfe and Thorrington will add to the mix offensively. In his second year, Marco Pappa also should create some sparks. Busch returns in goal for the second straight year, joined by returning defenders, who posted 10 shutouts during the 2008 campaign. Brown returns as the lone Fire original. Fighting back after a season riddled with injuries, the veteran defender will lead the team on and off the field. A handful of rookies, including Baggio Husidic could contribute early. The Fire opens March 21 at FC Dallas, with one more road trip before opening at home. Chicago hosts the New York Red Bulls on April 5.

Columbus Crew

LAST YEAR: 17-7-6 (first place), MLS Cup champions

WHO'S BACK: M-F Guillermo Barros Schelotto, D Chad Marshall, M-F Robbie Rogers, F Alejandro Moreno, D Frankie Hejduk, M Adam Moffat, M Emmanuel Ekpo, GK William Hesmer, F Pat Noonan, F Jason Garey, M-F Eddie Gaven, D Danny O'Rourke, M Brian Carroll

WHO'S GONE: D Ezra Hendrickson, M Stefani Miglioranzi, M Brad Evans

WHO'S NEW: 2009 MLS SuperDraft picks D Paul Gerstenberger, M-F Alex Grendi and D Chris Clements