After a bittersweet draw against Montreal to open the current homestand, the Chicago Fire made no mistake in securing all three points Saturday against first-place Columbus Crew SC.
Check out some of the key news and notes to come out of the 1-0 victory:
- In the 60th all-time meeting between these Midwest rivals, the Chicago Fire snapped Columbus' 10-match unbeaten streak in the series, recording their first league win over Crew SC since June 22, 2013, and their first home victory against Columbus since a 1-0 win on April 20, 2013. Chicago extended its all-time lead in the series to 25-17-18.
- The outcome also marked the end of Columbus' three-match winning streak.
- Chicago continued its strong run of form at home today, having lost just once in its last 16 MLS games at Toyota Park dating to last season.
- Dax McCarty made his 250th MLS start today, also wearing the captain's armband for the Men In Red.
- McCarty provided one of the moments of the match, delivering a perfect ball to Nemanja Nikolic for the game's only goal. It was his second straight game with an assist on the game's decisive goal and the 48th assist of his MLS career. McCarty was tabbed the Krakus Man of the Match for his all-around performance.
- Nikolic's goal was his second of the season, with both coming in the first half of Chicago Fire home victories.
- Bastian Schweinsteiger went the full 90 minutes for the second straight game for the Men In Red.
- The Fire kept their second clean sheet of the season, both resulting in wins (previous: vs. Real Salt Lake, March 11).
- Michael de Leeuw returned to the starting XI for the first time since March 11. The Dutchman missed the March 18 match with a hamstring injury and played in a reserve role a week ago, picking up a hand injury in that match but still managing to be included in the squad today.
- Johan Kappelhof also was back in the starting lineup after serving a red card suspension last week vs. Montreal. On the flip side, midfielder Juninho served a red card suspension today and has now missed both Columbus matchups this season due to suspension.
- Second-year Homegrown midfielder Drew Conner enjoyed the longest playing stint of his young career. Conner came on for centerback Jonathan Campbell in the 55th minute as Chicago moved from a 3- to a 4-man back line, contributing to numerous attacking opportunities from his position in central midfield.
- The same was true of rookie Daniel Johnson, who replaced David Accam in the 73rd minute for his second substitute appearance in as many weeks.
- Forward Luis Solignac was not active Saturday after being questionable with a right knee issue heading into the weekend.
- Dax McCarty and defenders Joao Meira, Brandon Vincent and Michael Harrington remained the four field players to play every minute for the Men In Red this season.
- Columbus was without regular starters Federico Higuain, Harrison Afful and Jonathan Mensah due to injuries.
- Today's match marked the fourth meeting with Columbus in the Fire's last nine MLS matches dating to last season. Chicago and Columbus will meet for a third time in the regular season on Saturday, August 12 at MAPFRE Stadium.
