Sport fanatics who enjoyed the White Sox playoff race should start paying closer attention to the Chicago Fire’s remaining four games.

Just when everyone thought the team had given up, the Fire pulled off a 3-0 win over the San José Earthquakes Sept. 29.

But just four days later, they suffered a heartbreaking 0-3 loss to FC Dallas.

With 29 points and four matches remaining, the Men in Red must win the remainder of their games and receive help in order to qualify for the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Their first challenge will be Oct. 8, when the Fire takes on Columbus Crew at Toyota Park. The date carries a lot of significance for the team.

On Oct. 8, 1871 the Great Chicago Fire started, ravaging the city for four straight days. It was on the same day, Oct. 8, 1997 that the Chicago Fire Soccer Club was formally announced at Navy Pier.

The Fire’s three remaining opponents are the Kansas City Wizards, D.C. United and Chivas USA.