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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- The Chicago Fire look to continue their domination of the Columbus Crew and increase their lead over their Central Division rivals on Wednesday night when the clubs clash at Crew Stadium. The Fire have posted a 8-2-1 record in their all-time series against the Crew. Chicago owns a 3-1-1 road mark against Columbus, with its lone defeat coming after a shootout on October 10, 1999. Chicago and Columbus each recorded a 2-1 victory on July 21 in their respective matches prior to Saturday's All-Star Game, maintaining the Fire's 10-point lead over the Crew atop the Central Division. Former United States international forward Eric Wynalda came off the bench to score in the final minute of overtime to lift the Fire to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Dallas Burn. Midfielder John Wilmar Perez had a goal and an assist as the Crew extended their unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) with a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. While the Fire trails the Miami Fusion by three points in the race for the league's best record, the Crew are fighting playoff spot. The hosts hold sixth place, but are just five points ahead of the surging Colorado Rapids, who sit just outside of the eight postseason berths. Chicago and Columbus already have met twice in their four-match season series. The Fire's last visit to Crew Stadium came in the season opener on April 7. Chicago's John Wolyniec and Columbus' Dante Washington each scored in the 1-1 tie which was marred by three red card ejections late in the match. On June 9 at Soldier Field, forward Jamar Beasley scored in the 37th minute to lift the Fire to a 1-0 win over the Crew. Despite having the league's second best record, Chicago's injury woes continue. Defender Carlos Bocanegra is hobbled by a sprained left ankle, midfielder DaMarcus Beasley is bothered by a strained right hip and midfield general Peter Nowak is troubled by a sprained right ankle. All three are listed as questionable. Fire defender Diego Gutierrez (left knee contusion) and forward Hristo Stoichkov (strained left hamstring) probably will be available for selection. Crew midfielder Robert Warzycha remains on injured reserve due to a dislocated left-ankle tendon. Defender-midfielder Todd Yeagley also is on that list due to a stress fracture in his left foot.
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