Columbus trying to strengthen spot atop Eastern table vs. Fire

Soccer Betting Lines

07/02/2010 - Columbus, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Columbus Crew host the Chicago Fire in a Major League Soccer Eastern Conference clash on Saturday night.

The Crew (7-2-3) currently lead the Eastern table, but need to get a result because Red Bull New York is right on their heals.

Columbus' most recent fixture was a 2-0 win vs. D.C. United last weekend that improved it's home record to 5-1-0 this season.

Crew star Guillermo Barros Schelotto had a goal and an assist in the contest, but got a big assist from the referee, who missed an obvious handball that led to the game's first tally.

"The ball hit my arm after the post," he told mlssoccer.com. "I was surprised, but I don't know if the ref saw the play. Maybe he understands the ball hit me. I had no intention to settle the ball next to me."

The Fire (4-3-5) are also coming off a win last weekend, 1-0 vs. the New England Revolution.

A Marco Pappa tally was the difference as the club extended its unbeaten run to five games, although only two of those were wins.

The club sits seven points behind Columbus in the standings, with a three point swing possible if it can earn the W on Saturday.

Chicago will have to find a way to earn the win without attackers Calen Carr and John Thorrington because of injuries, while the Crew are relatively healthy, with only defenders Frankie Hejduk and Gino Padula on the injury report. Both are expected to be available for selection on Saturday.

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