Columbus Crew SC punished 10-man Orlando City SC at Crew Stadium on Saturday by cruising to a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
It was a day to forget for Rafael Ramos, who gifted the hosts the lead after 32 minutes when his atrocious attempt at a clearance fell to Ethan Finlay. The Crew midfielder settled the ball and sent a low cross in front of goal that was met by Federico Higauin, who flicked the ball behind his back, through the legs of Ramos and into the back of the net.
Ramos made matters worse just two minutes later by committing a horrific sliding challenge on Waylon Francis, earning himself a straight red card and reducing Orlando to 10 men.
Columbus took advantage, doubling its lead in the 55th minute when Justin Meram took a layoff from Kei Kamara and roofed a shot past Donovan Ricketts.
Kamara turned scorer five minutes later by latching onto a bouncing ball and sending a looping shot past the on-rushing Ricketts.
Columbus, unbeaten in three matches, improves to eight points on the season, going level on points with Orlando in the Eastern Conference table.
[SportsNetwork.com]
