For the first time in five months, Columbus Crew SC kicked off against rivals Chicago Fire at an empty MAPFRE Stadium. The Black & Gold came into this match sitting atop the Eastern Conference undefeated, and on top of the Supporters Shield race. For Chicago, this is a team that hadn't won at MAPFRE Stadium in over seven years. 

Both teams had plenty of chances within the first 20 minutes, but it was Columbus who broke the deadlock with Derrick Etienne Jr. getting his first goal as a member of the Black & Gold. 

Columbus would hold that lead heading into the half, but not before being awarded a penalty seconds before the whistle. Winger Luis Diaz was tripped up in the box, giving Columbus a golden opportunity to double the lead, but Gyasi Zardes fired his spot kick over the crossbar.

Electric Second Half 

The Black & Gold came alive in the second half. The possession factor favored Columbus heavily, and so did the chance creation. It was so good, that the Goal Of the Year award could already be passed out to Darlington Nagbe, for his stunner of a goal that doubled the Crew's lead. 

Zardes would put the icing on the cake for the Black & Gold, with his strike in the 88th minute of play, making amends of his missed penalty kick earlier in the game.  

Columbus now travel to Harrison, New Jersey to take on New York City FC at Red Bull arena, as they look to go 6-0-1 on the season. And fun fact, Crew SC has only allowed one goal and still have yet to lose.