CHICAGO (AP) -- Jamar Beasley scored in the first half and the Chicago Fire beat the Columbus Crew 1-0 Saturday night.

Beasley scored on a pass from Peter Nowak in the 37th minute.

Nowak dribbled to the edge of the six-yard box and passed through two Crew defenders to Beasley, who easily beat Tom Presthus for his second goal of the season.

Columbus, which is last in the MLS with just 10 goals, had a difficult time generating any offense against the Central Division leaders.

Chicago Goalkeeper Zach Thornton earned his fifth shutout. He has allowed 12 goals in 11 games.

Crew interim head coach Greg Andrulis lost for the first time (1-1-2) since taking over for Tom Fitzgerald on May 17.