BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Robert Lewandowski scored twice and Maren Haile-Selassie struck in first-half stoppage time as Chicago Fire FC took a 3-2 halftime lead over Columbus Crew on Decision Day at SeatGeek Stadium.
Chicago led three times during a five-goal opening half, with Columbus answering each of the Fire’s first two goals. Live match updates recorded Lewandowski’s goals in the eighth and 22nd minutes, followed by Haile-Selassie’s go-ahead strike in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.
First-Half Scoring: Chicago Leads Three Times
- 8th minute — Chicago 1-0: Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring.
- 16th minute — 1-1: Gonzalo Tapia brought Columbus level.
- 22nd minute — Chicago 2-1: Lewandowski scored his second of the afternoon.
- 23rd minute — 2-2: Anass Zaroury answered almost immediately for the Crew.
- 45+4 — Chicago 3-2: Maren Haile-Selassie restored the Fire’s advantage before the break.
The late goal gave Chicago a lead to defend after Columbus had twice erased a one-goal deficit. The opening half left the match finely balanced despite the Fire’s advantage.
Why This Lead Matters for the Playoffs
Chicago entered its regular-season finale with 55 points and a chance to secure home-field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series. MLS’s published scenarios are clear: a Fire victory guarantees that advantage. Chicago also keeps it if Charlotte FC fails to win at Inter Miami.
If Charlotte wins and Chicago draws or loses, Charlotte claims the hosting advantage instead. A halftime lead therefore puts the Fire in a favorable position, but it does not settle the playoff picture.
The Second-Half Assignment
For Chicago, the priority is protecting the advantage without losing its attacking threat. Columbus has already demonstrated that it can respond quickly, making the next goal especially consequential.
The match is Chicago’s final regular-season fixture of 2026. Fans can watch on Apple TV, with English-language radio coverage at wlsam.com and Spanish-language coverage on TUDN Chicago 106.7-HD2.
Halftime score: Chicago Fire FC 3, Columbus Crew 2.
Sources: Live match updates; Chicago Fire FC official matchday guide; MLS official Decision Day scenarios.
