MLS: Chicago 2, Columbus 1

• Tweet

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill., Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Chris Rolfe scored two first-half goals Saturday, rallying the Chicago Fire to a 2-1 victory over Columbus.

The Crew took a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute when Jairo Arrieta intercepted a clearing pass from Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson and beat a sliding save try by defender Arne Friedrich for a tally.

But Chicago responded only 8 minutes later when Sherjill MacDonald hooked up with Rolfe with a through-pass and the Fire striker sent it home.

Rolfe struck again in the 26th, taking a pass from Patrick Nyarko and bending a shot past Andy Gruenebaum for the decisive score.

Chicago (16-8-5) used the victory to strengthen its hold on second place in the Eastern Conference.

Columbus (13-11-6) remained one point out of an playoff spot in the East.