On short rest, Columbus Crew SC came to Toyota Park, a place that has been a house of horrors for the Columbus visitors in recent years, and were able to salvage a late 1-1 draw thanks to second-half substitute Niko Hansen, who equalized just moments from the final whistle.
The first 45 minutes of the contest left much to be desired from two teams on little rest. The Fire travelled to Montreal on Saturday, only to lose 2-1 while Crew SC fell 3-1 at Atlanta United.
But the match started with a great chance for the Black & Gold.