Columbus needed all three points against a struggling Chicago Fire team and they got them with ease, dispatching the visitors 3-0 behind goals from Harrison Afful, Justin Meram, and Dilly Duka.
The early goal was the payoff of Crew SC's short corner routine with Mohammed Saied sending a ball into space for Afful. Afful took a single touch towards goal and blasted a shot that caught Sean Johnson flat footed. The ball dipped, skimming the crossbar as it went in to give Columbus an 8th minute lead.
In the 26th minute, Chicago nearly grabbed the equalizer. David Accam used his speed to pull the Crew SC defense out of shape.