Fire not extinguished I was flicking through the hotel's television channels earlier and I saw the end of the 1st Round MLS play-off between Chicago Fire and DC United and after winning the first leg in the windy city 1-0, Fire held the regular season's best side to a 2-2 draw (they were leading 2-0 when I switched on) and move into the Eastern Finals where they will play New England Revolution on Thursday at the Patriots Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.

Play-off's have its place in football but to play 30 games, achieve the best record and win what is called the Supporters Shield must be galling for DC United but oh well it will be Fire that extend their season as it seeks the MLS' big prize for the first time since 1998. Only 4 teams in 12 seasons who've finished the league season with the best record have gone on to be MLS 'league champions.'

Meanwhile David Beckham will be playing for a new manager next season as former Ipswich stalwart Frank Yallop has walked out on LA Galaxy to manage new 2008 MLS side San Jose Earthquakes next season. Steve McClaren anyone? There had to be a real reason why he flew to watch Becks play in a kick about with some aged rockstars at the weekend. The blokes a joke isn't he?

Meanwhile ex-USA national manager Bruce Arena was relieved of his manager's job at New York Red Bulls today.  ¶ 00:51