Fire Can't Seize Top Spot

• George Pennington
• Sun Aug 30 2009, 5:34pm GMT

The Chicago Fire's struggle for points at home continued last night as they fell 1-0 to DC United.

United scored only their second MLS goal this month when Bryan Namoff headed in a free kick from Christian Gomez in the 11th minute. That lone goal was enough to secure three road points for DC and dash Chicago's hopes of moving up in the table.

Although they are only one point out of first place with 38 total, the Fire trail the defending MLS Champion Columbus Crew. The Crew will be on the road tonight against New York, who currently boast the worst record in the league. Columbus are still smarting from a 5-0 loss to Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions League, and they haven't won at Giants Stadium since April of 2003.

If the champions can get past their performance in Mexico City, they will extend their lead over Chicago to four points.

United sorely needed last night's victory and again placed them in playoff contention. The middle of the Eastern Conference is up for grabs and DC are making their move.

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