Justin Meram scores winner as Columbus Crew beat New York City FC

New York City FC have been defeated by Columbus Crew 2-1 in the MLS.

David Villa had two chances to give New York an early lead. His first was missed and his second was saved by Steve Clark.

Columbus took the lead in the 10th minute when Federico Higuain netted his seventh goal of the season.

Villa was linking up well with Andrea Pirlo and the Spaniard's volley was saved in the bottom right corner.

New York were level in the 29th minute when Andrew Jacobson struck after a passing move got the better of the Columbus defence.

It took until the 61st minute for either team to threaten again, and it was Villa who forced Clark into another save.

Justin Meram's long range effort from the subsequent Columbus attack was stopped by Josh Saunders.

It was Meram who scored the winner late on, grabbing his fourth goal of the season to ensure Columbus would travel home with the three points.