COLUMBUS, OH – It was a gutsy win for the Columbus Crew against Inter Miami CF this past Wednesday, but the focus shifted to a rivalry that has longed the Crew’s existence in the Chicago Fire. A chance for the Crew to take seven points in three games would certainly help the playoff seeding for the Black & Gold in the Eastern Conference standings. However, points were split and the Crew remain above the playoff line.

First Half

The Columbus Crew started the match as if they were fighting to make it above the playoff line. With 60% of possession, the Fire had no way of breaking Columbus down and were drowining from the ‘fiery’ attack by the Black & Gold.

Little to no chances for the Fire in the first half, however have had spells of a promising attack, but nothing to show for it.

For Columbus, a good look on goal on three occasions, but nothing tested newly minted Chelsea keeper Gaga Slonina, as he and Crew netminder Eloy Room kept their respective side in the game with a 0-0 scoreline when the halftime whistle blew from the center official.

Second Half

The Crew started out the second half with double the intensity and momentum.

A plethora of chances for the Black & Gold saw the ball in their offensive zone for shots on goal. Cucho Hernandez had the best opportunity, when a rising header from the striker was sent just wide of the frame. Lucas Zealarayan also had a great look on target, when his shot from distance was on target, but the outstretched fingertips of Fire keeper Gaga Slonina tipped the shot over the crossbar for a corner kick.

Slonina came up big yet again minutes later, when Hernandez had wide open net in front of him, as he received a ball from the right wing side and put a shot on target. The soon-to-be Chelsea netminder was able to slide across the face of goal and use his foot to keep the ball out of the net, giving the Fire an opportunity to clear the danger.

Columbus favors the right side a lot when attacking, which is owned by Luis Diaz.

With the speed on the right, Columbus is able to press and drive into the final third with pace, in which they almost converted when Diaz played a low driven cross across goal to Hernandez, but the Colombian striker couldn’t get on the end of the attempt.

Chicago had ample chances of their own, but couldn’t find the back of the net in similar ways to the Crew, thus ending the match with a scoreless draw.

What’s next?

Columbus are on the road next Friday when they travel north of the boarder to take on CF Montreal.