MLS: Columbus 2 FC Dallas 0

Columbus Crew climbed to fifth in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference with a 2-0 win over FC Dallas on Friday.

The visitors had Brazilian right back Jackson Goncalves sent off in the 33rd minute after he picked up two yellow cards in the space of 60 seconds, forcing Dallas to play the bulk of the match with just 10 men.

Despite the loss of Jackson, Dallas held firm during a goalless first 45 minutes at Columbus Crew Stadium.

But the hosts eventually took the lead eight minutes into the second half.

Emmanuel Ekpo was fouled by George John inside the area and Peruvian Andres Mendoza stepped up to convert the penalty, making it 1-0 to Columbus.

But they had to wait until the 91st minute to make sure of the win, when USA midfielder Eddie Gaven struck to make it 2-0.

In his second stint at Columbus, veteran striker Jeff Cunningham made a substitute appearance against the club he had spent the last three seasons.

The 34-year-old former US international scored 62 goals in 182 appearances for the Crew between 1998 and 2004, while he managed 33 goals in 66 appearances for Dallas.

He is one goal short of tying Jaime Moreno’s record of 133 regular-season MLS goals, but was unable to find the net against his former club.

The win lifts Columbus to fifth in the Eastern Conference with four points, while Dallas are seventh in the Western Conference with just one point from their first three matches.