Philadelphia Union picked up their third win in four MLS outings by thumping Columbus Crew 3-0 at PPL Park this morning.

Federico Higuain - brother of Gonzalo - came close after five minutes when his volley sailed narrowly over the bar.

Then came the turn of Justin Meram to provide the spark to reignite Crew's season but his effort whizzed past the post on 20 minutes, before going close again midway through the half.

Columbus would have secured a deserved lead if not for goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre, whose save thwarted Aaron Schoenfeld as the visitors struggled to make the most of their advantage.

Fernando Aristeguieta fell injured on 37 minutes, and CJ Sapong did not need long to make an impact as the hitman broke the deadlock four minutes later to give Columbus plenty to think about during the interval.

Vincent Nogueira found the net from outside the box with just seven minutes gone in the second period to steepen the visitors' task on the comeback trail.

It proved the first of a quickfire double, though, as Sebastian Le Toux, architect for the opener, got on the scoresheet after 58 minutes to cap a comfortable win.