[MLS PREDICTION] The excellent Chivas USA defensive record (six shutouts, six goals allowed) is tainted somewhat by the fact Zach Thornton leads the league with 41 saves, and quite of a few of them have tested the 6-foot-3 keeper. If it gives up a proportional number of chances to Brian McBride, Chris Rolfe, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, et al, it will be lucky to maintain its unbeaten (5-0-1) home record.

THURSDAY
CHIVAS USA (7-1-3) vs. CHICAGO (4-0-6), 10:30 p.m., ET, ESPN2
After conceding seven goals in its first four road contests, the Fire comes into Home Depot Center with shutout wins at Toronto (2-0) and New York (1-0) in its last two games. Expect Chicago to play it tight in the back once again, try to bottle up Chivas USA in midfield, and rely on its game-breakers to nick a goal, or maybe two?
Prediction: Fire 1, Chivas USA 1.

Last night: 1-0 (a spot-on pick of Crew, 2-1). Season: 35-41.