Columbus Crew ended a three-game run without a win in the MLS by defeating 10-man Orlando City 3-0 in their match at MAPFRE Stadium.
The home side started the game strongly when Ethan Finlay raided forward into the penalty area, but he could only fire his effort over the bar.
Columbus did find the back of the net as Finley went on a surging run down the flank and fired the ball across the face of goal, where Federico Higuain directed it past Donovan Ricketts with a clever back-heel.
Life was to become harder for the visitors when Rafael Ramos was given a straight red card for a poor challenge on Waylon Francis.
In the second half, the Crew upped the ante as Higuain found the run of Kei Kamara, but he could only drill his strike straight at Ricketts.
However, Justin Meram did double his side's advantage when he was teed up by Kamara inside the box and blasted his effort past a helpless Ricketts.
Kamara ensured the victory for Columbus when he raced onto a through ball and lifted it over Ricketts with a delicate chip.
Simon Sinclair
