League-leading Crew take on visiting Fire

The Columbus Crew are happy to be playing in Mapfre Stadium for the first time since March 1, even though there will be no spectators when they host the Chicago Fire on Thursday.

"It's a little different without the fans, but it's still our home," Crew midfielder Artur said. "We know that even if the fans are not there, they're going to be watching us and rooting for us, and we have to do our job."

The Crew had hoped to have a limited capacity for the game, but COVID-19 restrictions are still in place in Ohio.

Columbus (4-0-1, 13 points) leads Major League Soccer in points, thanks to a strong showing at the recent MLS is Back Tournament near Orlando.

The Fire (1-3-1, four points) struggled in the same tourney, which was created after the season was suspended on March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The group-stage matches counted in the regular-season standings, and Columbus won all three by shutouts before losing to Minnesota United on penalty kicks in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, the Fire defeated the Seattle Sounders, then lost to the San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps and did not advance.

"The tournament helped prepare us for the rest of the season," Fire defender Jonathan Bornstein said. "More than anything, we learned from our downfalls. We had some good moments, but we had some bad moments also.

"We have to grow as a team. We can only go forward with high hopes."

The Fire will rely on goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, who takes over the No. 1 spot after Kenneth Kronholm underwent surgery Aug. 11 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Fire midfielder Micheal Azira, who missed the tournament because of an injury, is healthy again and will be a stabilizing factor.

Columbus, which last played July 28, needed the time off to allow goalkeeper Eloy Room and midfielder Youness Mokhtar to heal. Neither played in the Minnesota match, but they may be available Thursday.

--Field Level Media