Playoff contention for the Chicago Fire is slipping away with the blink of an eye as they played out to a 1-1 draw against bitter rivals Columbus Crew. With this match being played out to [yet again] another draw for the Fire, this leaves many questions being asked. Will Chicago make the playoffs? Can they turn this drought around and win? Simple questions can leave one baffled and speechless when they hear "Chicago draws again."
As for the game, not many chances being created in the first half. A few, but not many. In the 31st minute, Jeff Larentowicz sends a powerful header on goal, but Columbus keeper Steve Clark was there to make the save, and start an attack for his side. Chicago’s chance finally came when defender Tyson Wahl was called for an apparent handball in the box. The ball seems to hit Wahl’s' right bicep, which is the correct call. Forward Mike Magee scores in the 37th minute, and gives his side a 1-nil lead going into halftime.
Columbus came out hard at the start of the second half, and scored just 10 seconds in. Federico Higuain collected a header pass from Ben Speas and slides one past Fire keeper Sean Johnson to tie the game up at 1-1. Johnson was called upon again to make an unbelievable save in the 53rd minute when Ben Speas sent a rocket of a shot on goal, and Johnson kicked out his left boot to make the save. Later in the 74th minute, Mike Magee had keeper Steve Clark beat yet again, but was unable to put the ball in the back of the net.
As the final whistle blew, both sides were left upset that they couldn't squeeze out a win. Both sides are happy with a point, but were eager to get all three.
Columbus Note: Defender and captain of the Columbus Crew, Michael Parkhurst was involved in a nasty collision in the 12th minute of the first half, as he landed awkwardly on what appears to be his wrist. Parkhurst played the majority of the match until he was substituted off in the 91st minute