Columbus Crew scored twice in four minutes to beat 10-man Toronto FC and pick up their first win of the MLS season.

The Canadian outfit had threatened to break the deadlock before half time, with new signing Sebastian Giovinco twice denied in quick succession.

However, Toronto suffered a setback when Justin Morrow was red carded in first-half stoppage time for his challenge on Ethan Finlay.

Columbus took advantage after the break when Justin Meram latched onto Finlay's pass to slot past Joe Bendik.

The Crew sealed the three points four minutes later when build-up play from Waylon Francis and Wil Trapp presented Kei Kamara with the chance to score and the ex-Middlesbrough forward duly doubled his side's lead.

Toronto missed the chance to pull back a consolation goal late on through Collen Warner as Columbus were able to hold on for their first win of the campaign.