Mar 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Fire forward Nemanja Nikolic (23) congratulates forward David Accam (11) on his goal against Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

David Accam and the Chicago Fire gain a point on the road after a late equalizer sealed the 1-1 draw.

Columbus Crew SC opened their 2017 Major League Soccer campaign with a midwest rival, the Chicago Fire. It’s a rare occasion to start your season with a rival, but hey, it works.

The first half belonged to the home team, who was dominating everything. Crew SC was getting chance after chance, in quick fashion. The Black and Gold could easily have gone up by, at most, three with the dozens of chances they had. But they couldn’t find the back of the net. The deadlock finally broke after just 17 minutes when Justin Meram provided a great ball into the Fire penalty area that found the head of Ethan Finlay.

Again, chance after chance, Crew SC attacked the Fire, but couldn’t capitalize.

Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic told the media that 30 minutes into the first half they switched to a 4-3-3. A good tactical change by Paunovic. The change allowed more freedom on the wings.

In the 40th minute of the first half, goalkeeper Jorge Bava would turn the ball over to Meram in the attacking third. The Iraqi international found Federico Higuain who was able to turn in free space and able to get a shot off, but it went high over the bar.

Crew SC would hold the 1-0 lead going into the half.

Fire Blaze In Second Half

The opposition controlled the second half. Their constant attacks were in their favor and the Fire was able to create more and more opportunities. The first real chance came just two minutes in when John Goossens let a shot go from about 20 yards out, but the attempt went wide of the frame.

Columbus weren’t down and out, though. Just a minute later, Ola Kamara had a chance of his own after his shot was saved by Bava. An aerial second attempt belonged to Bava as he was able to clear the danger.

David Accam became the hero for Chicago as he was able to slot home an awkward shot past Crew SC keeper Zack Steffan in the 73rd minute.

Chicago host Real Salt Lake next week while Crew SC travel down to take on the Houston Dynamo.