For the third time in 2013, the Crew faces the Fire on Saturday (8:00 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio) in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Looking ahead to the weekend, let's revisit the rivals' previous two meeting this season at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
Andy Gruenebaum made a season-high six saves to help keep the Black & Gold in the match, but an 83rd-minute Jeff Larentowicz tally was the deciding factor in the Crew's defeat to the Fire back in April. The Black & Gold were unable to muster a single shot on frame in the loss.
JUNE 13: Fire 2 - Crew 1 (Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round)
The Crew fought through losing defensive anchor Gláuber in the sixth minute to a torn left ACL to find the opening goal of the match via the head of midfielder Konrad Warzycha in the 22nd minute. Though the Black & Gold maintained most of the possession and dictated the tempo in the first half, the Fire was able to equalize six minutes later and eventually found the winner in the 79th minute on a goal scored by Patrick Nyarko to knock the Crew out of Open Cup play.