Pedro Santosdrilled a low-hit goal in the 27th minute to give the Columbus Crew a 1-0 advantage, one which would stand for nearly 70 minutes until the Chicago Fire's Przemyslaw Frankowski tucked a second-half stoppage-time equalizer to deny Columbus all three points.
Santos' goal marked the third consecutive home match in which he has scored, bringing his season total to 10.
On the defensive end, the Crew started Homegrown centerback pairing in Alex Crognaleand Aboubacar Keita, while goalkeeper Eloy Roomcontinued to prove why he has been such an important addition with five total saves, including a pair of impressive denials.
On the day, Chicago outshot Columbus 20-15, though the Crew posted seven shots on target compared to Chicago's six, while Chicago maintained the possession edge with 54-percent of the ball.
Up next, Crew SC heads to Atlanta United on Saturday, Sept. 14 for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Supporters can watch Saturday's match on FOX Sports Ohio or listen on 97.1 FM The Fan or www.ColumbusCrewSC.com (English & Spanish).
Chicago Fire
MATCH NOTES
Midfielder Pedro Santos registered his 10th goal of the 2019 regular season in tonightās home contest. Santosā goal came in the 27th minute, when he scored from outside the box after receiving a pass from Luis Argudo. With his strike in tonightās match, Santos has now scored in each of Crew SCās last three home matches. Notably, in his last five matches for the Black & Gold, Santos has scored four goals and provided two assists. In 2019, the midfielder has made 29 regular-season appearances (26 starts), while scoring 10 goals (two game-winning goals) and providing five assists (three game-winning assists).
Midfielder Luis Argudo registered his third assist of the 2019 regular season in tonightās home contest against the Chicago Fire. Argudoās helper came in the 27th minute of the contest, as he found an open Pedro Santos, who connected with the back of the net. During tonightās contest, Argudo attempted recorded 48 touches, attempted 30 passes and finished the evening with a passing percentage of 86.7 percent and led Crew SC with a passing accuracy of 81 percent in the opponentās half. In 2019, Argudo has made 19 regular-season appearances (10 starts) scoring one goal and providing three assists.
With his start in tonightās contest, midfielder Artur recorded his 75th MLS regular-season start (82nd appearance). Tonight, Artur played the entire 90 minutes, led the team in attempting 59 passes and finished with a passing percentage of 83.1. Artur also recorded 71 touches and won six duels. The midfielder also made two interceptions and hade one shot. In 2019, the midfielder has made 26 regular-season appearances and recorded 24 starts.
Defender Aboubacar Keita made 11 clearances in tonightās home match against the Chicago Fire, more than any player for either team on the night. He also won seven duels as well as five aerial duels, while completing 40 passes. In 2019, Keita has made seven regular-season appearances (six starts).
Next up after a bye weekend, Crew SC returns to action and faces Atlanta United on the road at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, September 14 (7:00 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO / 97.1 The Fan and streaming online via the āListen Liveā button at 971TheFan.com / Spanish audio on ColumbusCrewSC.com).
