The Chicago Fire continued their hot streak with a 2-1 victory against the Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Crew Stadium. The Fire took control of the match just before the break with a pair of goals that spelled doom for their hosts.
Nate Jaqua finished off a great run by Justin Mapp for the opener in the 40th minute.
"Justin was running in on the side. I was able to find a little gap. I was able to just chop it," said Jaqua. "It as a tough angle for me, but I was able to get enough on it to the near post."
While it was Jaqua's 20th MLS goal in his four-year career, C.J. Brown followed it up with his third MLS goal in his ninth MLS season.
"It feels great. I haven't scored in about eight years," said Brown who scored both of his previous goals in his rookie year. "Chris [Armas] had a good shot on goal and I just tried to get a little bit on it. I redirected it a little bit."
The Fire earned the victory despite going a man down and giving a penalty kick in the second half. Calen Carr was ejected for a rough foul on Rusty Pierce just after the hour mark.
"I was getting a little nervous going a man down," said C.J. Brown. "We have been known to give up leads. I thought we did a good job in keeping the lead and getting the win."
Added Jaqua: "Going down a man made it difficult, but we were able to hold on."
The Crew cut into the lead as Sebastian Rozental converted a penalty kick after a handball in the box by Jaqua.
"We were a real team tonight. I am proud of our guys. We showed our composure," said Fire coach Dave Sarachan. "With the penalty and all the rest, I think things could have swung. We just want to keep the momentum from what we started a month ago."
The Fire continued an unbeaten streak that stretches over eight matches including U.S. Open Cup play. The only blemish is a 2-2 tie against the Houston Dynamo on Aug. 30.
Sarachan credited the veterans on his team for its ability to bunker down and get the full points.
"The more experience you have at being calm in the middle of the hurricane is important. We have a lot of experience on the field in Diego [Gutierrez], Armas, [Tony] Sanneh and Brown," said Sarachan. "These guys have been around the block. I thought we weathered the storm pretty well."
Despite being the hottest team in MLS entering the stretch run, the Fire still see room for improvement. However, the Men in Red are happy to playing their best soccer of the season.
"I wouldn't say peaking, but we are starting to play our game finally," said Brown. "It is coming along at the right time. That is for sure."
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
