Columbus Crew have closed to within a point of Chicago Fire in the MLS Eastern Conference with a comprehensive 3-0 win at the Crew Stadium.
Dominic Oduro, Federico Higuain and Bernardo Anor scored the goals that helps Brian Bliss's men keep their playoff hopes alive.
With 29 games played they are now just two points behind fifth-placed New England Revolution.
The deadlock was broken by Oduro's low drive in the 15th minute, but the home fans had to wait until the 70th minute before another was added.
It came when Sean Johnson brought down Jairo Arrieta inside the area, which allowed Higuain to bury a spot kick.
However, the visitors' task had been made harder following Bakary Soumare's 29th-minute red card for a foul on Arrieta.
The hosts put the game beyong doubt six minutes later when Anor capped a fast break down field.
Michael Penkman
