Thursday Can't Come Fast Enough and I Can't Stand Chicago

**Some articles to bide our time with...

Merz Article: Crew excited to host Conference Championship

Some comments:
"This is really big for the organization and our fans. They've waited a long time," said midfielder Duncan Oughton, who has been with the Crew since 2001 and is the club's longest-tenured player.

Hejduk said: "We're very confident playing at home and with the fan support behind us. I'm sure Chicago is going to bring a good contingent of fans so that makes it that much more motivation for us. The more people in the stands, the better and more motivated we are."

Hejduk had this to say when asked how he expects the crowd to respond to McBride in his first game in Columbus as an MLS opponent (he played in Crew Stadium for Fulham of the English Premier League in the 2005 MLS All-Star Game):
"To tell you the truth, I could care less. Seriously, I could care less. I'm concentrating on our team. We're going to play our style of play. We'll let them worry about us because we're not worrying about them," he said. "We'll play our game. That's what we've been doing all year, not worrying about the other team and we're going to take the same attitude into the Chicago game. I'm not worried about any of their players or anyone. As long as we play our game we'll be all right."

The Arace article in the post below is class like always.

**Security is supposed to be in tip top shape this Thursday. Chicago fans are supposed to get a security and police escort into and out of the stadium through a special entrance.

Last Saturday, the Crew hired 10 CPD to enforce and watch the Crew players giving hugs and love to the Nordecke at the end of the game while totally ignoring the KC fans.

I guess there is some special meeting tomorrow with leaders of the groups about the Chicago game, with security a topic among other things.

**There is another Crew rally at Nationwide Arena on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30. I won't be going because I'll be working on TIFO. But, if any readers go, please snap some pictures.