Fire’s Thornton Gets Easy Shutout

Chicago goalkeeper Zach Thornton posted his league-leading fourth shutout Saturday night as the Fire beat the Columbus Crew, 2-0, before 19,801 at Chicago.

Rich Kotschau scored just eight minutes into the match, finishing off a cross from Jerzy Podbrozny. Peter Nowak scored the insurance goal seven minutes into the second half.

Thornton had to make just one save as the Fire outshot the Crew, 17-8.

The victory moved Chicago (7-5) past idle Dallas into second place in the Western Conference, 12 points behind the Galaxy. Columbus (7-6) remains in second in the Eastern Conference.

Colorado 2, San Jose 0--Ross Paule scored his third goal in two games as the Rapids (6-8) recorded a 2-0 victory over the Clash (5-9) before 18,473 at Denver. Paule scored in the 50th minute, and Chris Henderson scored in the 56th minute.

Kansas City 1, Tampa Bay 0--Mo Johnston scored on a header in the 30th minute as the Wizards (6-8) beat the Mutiny (3-12) before 10,067 at Kansas City.