COLUMBUS — Chad Marshall and Eddie Gaven led Columbus to its first MLS Cup appearance, scoring second-half goals in the Crew’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Thursday night in the Eastern Conference final. In the Nov. 23 final at Carson, Calif., Columbus will face the winner of the Western Conference final Saturday between New York at Real Salt Lake. ‘‘We’re a team that’s been very, very resilient,’’ Crew coach Sigi Schmid said. ‘‘Obviously we’re very proud. We’re very happy.’’ Brian McBride, who played eight seasons for the Crew before leaving for the English Premier League in 2003, scored for the Fire in his first MLS game as a visiting player in Crew Stadium. McBride headed Justin Mapp’s crossing pass just past goalkeeper William Hesmer’s outstretched arms in the 29th minute. Marshall tied it in the 50th minute, leaping over McBride to score on a header off Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s free kick.