Chicago Fire head coach Dennis Hamlett is very aware of Eastern conference final opponents Columbus Crew's persistence due to experiences this season. "I actually thought in both (league) games we played them that we had good starts," Hamlett said. "We were up 2-0 on them at their place, which gives us the confidence that we can score on this team if we play our game. "

With the final being played in Columbus with an obvious home field advantage to his opponents Hamlett is more focused on what happened on the pitch.

"At our place, we go up by one, then they got two real quick ones and we were the team that got back in the end," he said. "We came away from both games knowing they don't quit and keep plugging away. It makes for real good games. Both teams respect each other and are similar teams in the way they like to play."

The winner of the Eastern conference final will meet either Real Salt Lake or New York Red Bulls in the MLS cup final November 23rd in Los Angeles.

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