Chicago Fire have climbed off the bottom of the Eastern Conference after being held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Toronto FC at Toyota Park.

Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik was forced into action for the first time midway through the first half when he tipped Grant Ward's curled effort from the edge of the box over the crossbar.

The advantage was handed to Chicago moments later when Luke Moore was shown a straight red card for catching Chris Ritter with his elbow while challenging for the ball.

Despite losing one of their attacking players, an improving Toronto were able to take the lead just three minutes before the break through Jackson, who lost his marker inside the box to nod home Jermain Defoe's cross from just a few yards out.

Chicago took charge of the contest after the interval, with Bendik being forced to deny Quincy Amarikwa and Mike Magee within the space of a couple of minutes.

However, Bendik was powerless to prevent Chicago from levelling the scores in the 56th minute when a Magee corner reached Harrison Shipp, who ignored his options before firing a powerful effort into the top corner.

Ward should have put the home side ahead 10 minutes later, but he could only head Alex's cross straight at a relieved Bendik.

The numerical advantage became obvious in the latter stages as Chicago piled on the pressure, but they failed to find a winner as Juan Luis Anangono struck the best opportunity over the crossbar in a frantic final few minutes.