COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mike Grella chipped in the decisive goal from long distance in the 67th minute and the Red Bulls beat the Columbus Crew, 2-1, on Saturday night.
Bradley Wright-Phillips set up Grella’s goal by blocking the ball into an open space just outside the 18-yard box. It was Grella’s first touch after entering the game as a substitute and the 1,000th MLS goal for the franchise. The Red Bulls improved to 2-0-1 and took over first place in the MLS Eastern Conference with seven points, one better than D.C. United.
Wright-Phillips opened the scoring on a penalty kick in the 49th minute. Lloyd Sam drew the penalty against Emanuel Pogatetz with a cutback in the box.
Tony Tchani evened the score for the Crew (1-2-0) with a run to the far post and open-net finish after the deflection of Federico Higuain’s corner kick.
Higuain received a second yellow card for a show of frustration in the 83rd minute and the Crew finished with 10 men.