Mike Grella's second-half strike helped the New York Red Bulls to their first away win of the season against Columbus Crew.

The visitors from the Big Apple were awarded a penalty early in the second half after Lloyd Sam was bundled over in the box by Emanuel Pogatetz.

Bradley Wright-Phillips duly stepped up to slot the spot kick beyond the reach of Columbus keeper Steve Clark.

The Crew managed to get back on level terms before the hour mark through Tony Tchani, moments after Luis Robles kept out Kei Kamara's strike.

However, New York regained the lead on 67 minutes when Wright-Phillips turned provider for Grella to chip the ball past Clark.

Columbus's hopes were dashed late on when Federico Higuain was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The 2-1 result sees the Red Bulls top the Eastern Conference, while Columbus are sixth in the standings.