Two second-half goals have secured a 2-0 victory for New England against the Columbus Crew at the Gillette Stadium.
The hosts were in control from the first whistle and they could have been ahead in the 10th minute but Ryan Guy failed to hit the target after being put through on goal by Kevin Alston.
Columbus rarely threatened in the first period but New England continued to be wasteful in front of goal, with Federico Higuain missing a number of clear chances to make the breakthrough.
The home side were still dominant in the early stages and they finally found the crucial goal after 53 minutes.
Diego Fagundez found space inside the box but his effort struck the post and when the loose ball fell to Dimitry Imbongo, the striker had the simple task of applying a finish from close range.
New England extended their advantage to put the result beyond doubt with 15 minutes let when Chad Marshall put the ball into his own net after being put under pressure from a corner.
Callum Mulvihill
