Behind The Box Score

A week after the Crew snuck a win out over Houston in the final seconds, they faced another tough situation, trailing 2-0 to Chicago at halftime. The Fire (10-6-10) were in the ideal position to take over the top spot from Columbus. The scoring started early for the Fire in the 6th minute with the first of the two goals scored by Peter Lowry, his 2nd and 3rd goals of the season. His second of the day, in the 35th minute gave Chicago the two goal lead in intermission.

The second half opened for the Crew in the 55th minute with a Schelotto goal, his 11th of the season on a header that was assisted by Robbie Rogers, and (at the time) tying Fredy Montero for third in the MLS in goals scored. Chicago continued the choking by losing Cuauhtemoc Blanco in the 63rd minute with unknown left leg injury. The comeback for Columbus (11-4-10) was complete with a 75th minute goal by none other than Schelotto, with a penalty kick after Crew forward Steven Lenhart was fouled by Fire defender Wilman Conde.

With the tie, the Crew hang on to first place in the Eastern Conference, still three points ahead of Chicago. Remaining schedules are shown below for the top two teams in the East.