COLUMBUS, OH. (Aug. 12, 2017) – Despite an early goal from forward Michael de Leeuw, the Chicago Fire (12-6-5, 41 pts.) fell 3-1 to Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew SC (11-12-2, 35 points) on Saturday night at MAPFRE Stadium.
The Dutchman gave the Fire the lead 13 minutes into the game. Midfielder Dax McCarty found himself with space outside the Columbus attacking third from a restart, and swerved a ball into a crowded 18-yard-box for a charging to de Leeuw to snap home with his head. The goal was de Leeuw's second in as many games and his third of 2017 overall.