Fire scores late to break winless streak

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cristian Nazarit scored on a rebound in stoppage time to lift the Chicago Fire to a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Sunday, ending an 11-game winless streak.

Nazarit, who entered in the 79th minute, was alone in front to put in the rebound of a shot by Orr Barouch that was saved by Crew goaltender William Hesmer.

The Fire (2-4-8) was 0-4-7 during its winless stretch and appeared headed to its third straight scoreless draw under interim coach Frank Klopas until Nazarit scored his first MLS goal in his fourth game.

“We needed a win,” Barouch said. “We’ve had a lot of ties and some games haven’t been going our way.”

Barouch, who entered the game in the 67th minute, set up the play by his dribble on the right side of the box that turned around Julius James. He then split the defender and Josh Gardner before firing a shot that went between the legs of Chad Marshall.

“I was going to take the shot and the guy (James) came to block it so I cut in, dribbled in and tried to shoot on target,” Barouch said.

Columbus (4-4-6) was outshot for the first time in 13 games and did not score for the first time in four games.

“When you have a team that wants it more and has good players, obviously you’re going to lose the game,” Crew coach Robert Warzycha said.