Goals from Ethan Finlay and Federico Higuain fired Columbus Crew to a 2-0 victory over the Montreal Impact in their MLS clash.
The home side took the lead in the second minute when Will Trapp picked out the run of Finlay with an inch-perfect pass and the forward fired the ball into the top corner of the net from a tight angle.
Aaron Schoenfeld slipped behind the Impact defence minutes later and fired a shot across the face of goal which went just past the post.
The Crew were dominating the game and only a good stop from Evan Bush denied Finlay his second of the game when he latched onto Justin Meram's pass, but the keeper made a good block with his feet.
An error from Matteo Ferrari almost ended in disaster for Montreal as Schoenfeld released the run of Higuain, but his chipped effort went just the wrong side of the post.
In the second half, the Crew were handed the chance to double their lead when they were awarded a penalty. Higuain took the spot kick and fired his effort past the outstretched hand of Bush.
Calum Mallace nearly brought the Impact back into the match when he smashed a volley at goal from 25 yards, but Steve Clark was on hand to turn his effort over the bar.
Columbus somehow didn't secure the three points in the 86th minute when Tony Tchani raided forward and fired a shot at goal only to see his effort hit the woodwork.
The ball fell kindly to Bernardo Anor two yards from the empty net, but he incredibly struck the post as well, although his side were able to see out victory at Columbus Crew Stadium.
Simon Sinclair
