Columbus Crew earned an impressive 2-0 win over MLS Eastern Conference leaders Montreal Impact in their clash at Columbus Crew Stadium.

The home side took the lead in the sixth minute when Matias Sanchez collected the ball just outside the penalty area and fired at goal, and his effort was deflected past Troy Perkins into the net.

Columbus could have doubled their advantage as Federico Higuain whipped a cross in from the right and Montreal defender Hassoun Camara got a touch and nearly turned the ball into his own goal, but Perkins made an excellent fingertip save.

The Impact should have been level when Andrew Wenger was played behind the hosts' defence, but he could only drill his effort straight at Andy Gruenebaum.

Montreal were to rue the miss as Dominic Oduro doubled the home side's lead as he won the ball off Collen Warner and drove into the penalty area before slotting his shot past Perkins.

Wenger should have got a goal back for the visitors but he somehow lifted his shot over the bar with only Gruenebaum to beat after he won the ball from Chad Marshall.

Columbus were cruising and almost made it three when Oduro latched onto Higuain's lofted cross but Perkins did well to beat his effort away. However, the Crew closed out the win to earn the three points.