Scouting report: Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium, 7 p.m.
Streaming: ESPN+
Scouting the Columbus Crew: It's been a dismal season for Columbus (5-14-2, 17 points), now 1-13-1 in its last 15 games. Injuries have been a problem, and goalkeeper Zack Steffen has transferred to Europe. Gyasi Zardes leads the team with 6 goals.
Scouting the Fire: The Fire (5-9-7, 22 points) isn't doing much better than Columbus, with 1 win in its last nine MLS games. Questions are starting to be asked about coach Veljko Paunovic's job security. The Fire suffered probably its worst loss of the season Saturday night, falling 2-1 to last-place FC Cincinnati in what was a must-win game. The Fire needs 3 points out of this game also.
Next: Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
- Orrin Schwarz