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1. How big of an impact has Mike Magee been since Chicago acquired him?
Mike Magee has single-handedly turned the team around. From scoring goals to being a leader to providing a vocal boost, I can't say enough good things about Magee right now. Chicago is gaga over Magee, and for good reason. I don't think it's a coincidence that his arrival has helped other struggling players step up their play (Dilly Duka for example).
If the club can add another striker up front when the window opens, as rumors are indicating, it could make the team, and Mike Magee as well, even more lethal. It's certainly a great time to be a Fire fan.
2. Chicago hasn't lost a match since May 18th, what's been the biggest reason why?
The aforementioned Magee has to be at the top of the list. Sean Johnson has been his normal stellar self during the run as well. Duka and Rolfe seem to be finding a groove, and all this has culminated into a lot of team confidence. That confidence has translated into a bit of a feeling of invincibility.
I would look for that to carry over to Sunday. The forwards are stepping it up, and the midfield has been quite good as well during the run. The back line continues to be shaky at times, but has been bailed out by a red hot offense. While Fre/SKC matches are always intense, the Fire are coming into the game on the highest of highs right now.
3. The Sporting FO tries to push Chicago and SKC as a geographical rivalry, do Fire fans feel this match is a "rivalry match?"
No, we don't. It's a bit of a running joke between Fire fans now. We realize that it's the SKC FO that is really pushing it, rather than the fans. While I think there is a contingent of KC fans that would like to have a true rivalry, it's just not there yet. That's not to say that a rivalry won't ever form. But, as I have stated before, it needs to be built by the players and fans naturally.
Big games with a lot on the line will go a long way in helping build a rivalry. Also playoff games. The Fire built up a strong dislike for New England, and some pretty intense playoff games played a part of it.