The Chicago Fire (5-4-3, 18 pts) could not overcome two first-half goals from the Columbus Crew (5-4-3, 18 pts), as the Fire drop to 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
At just 9 minutes, M Eddie Gaven blasted a shot from outside the box that careened just beyond the diving G Sean Johnson. The Crew then added to their 1-0 lead with a quick turnaround goal from F Emilio Renteria to give Columbus a 2-0 lead.
Late in the second half, M Daniel Paladini managed to recoup from near-missed header to send a second shot across the box, a shot that D Austin Berry managed to knock in for 2-1 game:
Ultimately, though, G Andy Gruenebaum (6 SV, 1 GA) proved too dominant on the night, giving the Crew a 2-1 win.
For more on this game, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Fire visit Hot Time in Old Town and for more on the Crew, be sure to check out Massive Report. For more news and notes around MLS, check out SB Nation's soccer news hub.
