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ARMAS’ AGGRESSIVE PLAY KEY INGREDIENT

There is one big difference for the Fire in Game 2 of the MetroStars series Saturday (5 p.m., ESPN2) and Game 2 last week against the New England Revolution–Chris Armas.

Armas was still out with his sprained knee when the Fire traveled to New England. A lackluster effort was made worse by the absence of Armas patrolling the midfield.

“We know we’re a better team with Chris,” Fire coach Bob Bradley said. “He has made a big difference the last two games. Without Peter [Nowak], he’s our captain and he has taken on a bigger and bigger role for our team.”

Armas’ main job is to break up the opponent’s attack in the midfield. In Game 2 against New England, the Fire lost nearly every 50-50 ball. Those are plays that Armas makes to gain possession and start the offense.

“Having Chris back is a big advantage to our team,” midfielder Jesse Marsch said. “The guy’s in the middle of every play.”

Lately, Armas also has become aggressive offensively. Tuesday he picked up an assist on the Fire’s second goal of the night.

Gut-check time: There is no greater test of a team’s heart than how it performs in an elimination game. The Fire passed with flying colors in Game 3 against New England. Saturday, it’s exam time for the MetroStars.

“New York had a great year and they’re playing at home,” Bradley said. “We know that they will come out and give a great effort.”

Perhaps, but some who have watched the MetroStars all season commented after Tuesday’s match that the team doesn’t have much fight when things don’t go its way.

An early Fire goal Saturday could have the Metros looking back fondly on a nice regular season while the Fire advances to the championship.

Metros coach Octavio Zambrano was stunned at the lack of intensity his club showed in Game 1.

“I was completely surprised at our output in the first half,” Zambrano said. “It was a complete shock to me.”

The Metros may have called it a night in the 19th minute Tuesday when Zach Thornton made a wonderful save on Clint Mathis’ free kick and the Fire scored on the ensuing trip down the field.

Captain on board: Nowak made the trip to New Jersey, but a decision on whether he plays will be made before game time.

Nowak didn’t play in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory to open the series. The captain injured his hamstring in the final game of the New England series.

If Nowak can’t play Saturday, expect Diego Gutierrez to return to Nowak’s spot in the middle of the field.

With the Fire having a Game 3 at home as an insurance policy, Bradley may elect to rest Nowak.

Making a name: Tenywa Bonseu played most of the season with Pittsburgh of the A-League. He has been the Fire’s central defender in the last two playoff matches and has looked like a 10-year veteran.

Bonseu was with the team in training camp and played in a couple of exhibitions.

The Ugandan’s play in the last two matches will likely earn him a roster spot next season, if not with the Fire then with another MLS team.