Team-by-team Major League Soccer capsules

The Associated Press • Published March 18, 2009

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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, GK 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 forwards Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride working together up front. Justin Mapp, Chris Rolfe and John Thorrington will add to the mix offensively. In his second year, Marco Pappa also should create some sparks. Jon Busch returns in goal for the second straight year, joined by returning defenders, who posted 10 shutouts during the 2008 campaign. C.J. 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 open Saturday at FC Dallas, with one more road trip before opening at home. Chicago hosts the New York Red Bulls on April 5.

Chivas USA

• Last year: 12-11-7 (second place), lost to Real Salt Lake in first round of playoffs.

• Who's back: Coach Preki Radosavljevic, D/M Jonathan Bornstein, M Sacha Kljestan, F Ante Razov, M Jesse Marsch, F Justin Braun, D Bobby Burling, D Jim Curtin, F Alecko Eskandarian, M Jorge Flores, F Maykel Galindo, F Atiba Harris, GK Dan Kennedy, M Paulo Nagamura, D Shavar Thomas, GK Zach Thornton, D Lawson Vaughn, M Sasha Victorine.

• Who's gone: D Claudio Suarez, M Francisco Mendoza, F Roberto Nurse, M Dan Paladini, M Raphael Wicky, D Alex Zotinca.

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