Columbus Crew SC 2-0 Orlando City

An exemplary display of clinical finishing saw Columbus Crew go top of the Eastern Conference with a well deserved win over Orlando on a grim Saturday afternoon in Ohio.

The Lions started well, enjoying a lot of early possession but it was Columbus who took the lead in the 12th minute. Brazilian midfielder Artur caught the Orlando defence sleeping, and played a looping ball through to Justin Meram who slotted the ball past Joe Bendik.

Columbus then took control of the game and were unlucky not grab a second before the half-time whistle, with Ethan Finlay consistently causing havoc down the right side of the pitch.

Orlando went into the game with fine form having won three of their last four, but were without the injured Kaka. Columbus had also put together a good string of results, winning three of their last five games.

Meram secured his brace in the 77th minute, latching on to Fredrico Higuain’s pass before producing a good individual finish, taking his goalscoring tally to three for the season.

Columbus will be hoping to carry their form over to next weekend, when they travel to Chicago to take on the Fire. Orlando will also face a stern test, with them hosting the Red Bulls.