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Fire hurts playoff chances with draw

TORONTO — The Fire watched its playoff hopes take a hit Wednesday night as Robert Earnshaw scored midway through the first half to lift Toronto FC to a 1-1 draw with the Fire.

Dilly Duka put the Fire (10-11-6) ahead in the 20th minute with a looping ball that skipped over Mike Magee's foot and past goalie Joe Bendik, who was expecting Magee to redirect it.

Earnshaw tied it three minutes later with his seventh goal, but first since June 15, and Toronto (4-13-11) extended its winless streak to six matches (0-3-3). However, Earnshaw left the game shortly afterward with a possible injury on the scoring play.

Earnshaw, who has missed time with a hamstring problem, did not launch his trademark somersault goal celebration and came off two minutes later after feeling the back of his leg.

Bendik also had to make a game-saving stop from close range in the 80th minute on a shot by former Toronto player Quincy Amarikwa.

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