Fire-Crew Preview

The Chicago Fire have endured a roller-coaster ride of a season as coach Frank Yallop searches for solutions with two of his top players still on the mend.

They'll look to snap a 12-match road winless streak Friday night against a Columbus Crew side seeking a fourth consecutive home victory.

Chicago (3-5-1) has gone 0-2-1 since a three-game winning streak. Last Friday's 2-all draw at New York City FC marked the latest disappointment after Yallop's club blew a two-goal lead by allowing goals in extra time at the end of each half.

The Fire have been outscored 24-9 while going 0-9-3 on the road since winning at New England on July 12. They're 0-3-1 away from home this season, with the draw snapping a five-game road losing streak

Mike Magee, the 2013 MLS MVP, has yet to play this season while recovering from surgeries on his hip and right knee. He's returned to practice but still is at least a week away from playing.

Fellow forward Patrick Nyarko also hasn't played after undergoing surgery in November for a torn ACL. Nyarko likely won't be able to return soon as he continues his rehab.

"Our guys have kept going, and they're trying to do the right things," Yallop said. "We watched the tape of (last week's) game, and there are so many positives with our play.

"It doesn't seem like the teams we're playing against have to really open us up and create an unbelievable goal. We seem to be giving up softish goals. The thing for me is making sure we're on the same page."

The Crew (4-4-2) agree that a return home could provide a boost. They've dropped two of three and fell to 0-3-2 on the road with Saturday's 2-0 loss to San Jose.

Columbus has outscored opponents 13-5 while winning four of five at home and has scored at least three goals in three straight home matches. Its goal total and differential at home both lead the league.

Five of Kei Kamara's league high-tying seven goals have come on the Crew's home pitch.

"I think what we need to realize is that we have to bring the same intensity that we have in home games in away games," midfielder Ethan Finlay told the club's official website. "Our road trips have not been as successful as we had hoped. So this is a disappointing road result, but something we can turn around."

The Crew will be without forward Mohammed Saeid for this contest after he received a red card against the Earthquakes, leaving Columbus to play with 10 men for 57-plus minutes. Finlay noted that Saeid's absence played a role in the defeat, but coach Gregg Berhalter refused to make excuses.

"I don't think there are many positives to take from the game to be honest," Berhalter said. "I think that we'll learn from it, but there are not many positives to take from it."

Columbus has outscored the Fire 5-0 while winning the last two home meetings.