COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- The Chicago Fire and the Columbus Crew battled to a 1-1 draw Saturday night as the two teams battled in Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Fire's John Wolyniec and the Crew's Dante Washington each registered a goal in the 2001 season's first tie, and only spectacular play from both goalkeepers kept overtime scoreless.

Carlos Bocanegra, 2000 Kellogg's Rookie of the Year, made a goal-saving play in the 13th minute, hustling back to knock down a dangerous cross from Edson Buddle. Bocanegra stuck his leg in the air, intercepting the lofting ball intended for a wide-open Washington, who was making a threatening run towards the far post.

John Wolyniec broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Tom Presthus for the early lead. Diego Gutierrez built the play out of the Fire backfield, chipping the ball forward to the streaking DaMarcus Beasley along the left flank. Beasley cut in towards goal before centering the ball. Forward Josh Wolff drew the attention of Presthus with an expertly-executed dummy pass, stepping over the ball to leave the open shot for Wolyniec. Washington had a perfect opportunity to equalize in the 59th minute, drilling a shot at the upper corner of the net. Chicago goalkeeper Zach Thornton made a beautiful diving save to pluck the ball from the air and preserve the Fire lead. Washington would not be denied in the 69th minute, however, as he connected with Robert Warzycha's pass to knot the game at 1-1. Warzycha, left undefended at the top of the penalty area, launched a curling ball into the box. Washington stepped in front of his defender and redirected the ball past Thronton for the equalizer.

The score stood at 1-1 throughout extra time, thanks to the spectacular play of both Thornton and Presthus. Fire midfielder Chris Armas had a point blank shot from less than six feet from goal, but Presthus stepped forward to smother the chance. Seconds later, Dema Kovalenko sent a dangerous ball curling towards the upper corner of the net. Presthus' leaping save managed to turn the ball away.

The late stages of the game were marred by three red card ejections. Columbus midfielder Roland Aguilera was shown the red card in the 86th minute after a sloppy tackle on Kovalenko. Less than five minutes later, Chicago's Andrew Lewis was also ejected for pulling down Washington on a breakaway chance. Finally, Gutierrez was ejected in the fourth minute of overtime for lashing out on Warzycha.

Columbus (0-0-1, 1 point) will travel to Tampa Bay to face the Mutiny on Saturday, April 14th. Chicago (0-0-1, 1 point) will host arch-rival D.C. United (1-0-0, 3 points) live on ESPN 2 on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. ET.