Columbus Crew SC racked up its third-straight victory Saturday afternoon at MAPFRE Stadium, a 2-0 win over Orlando City SC behind a brace from winger Justin Meram.
Columbus began the game with heavy pressure from its usual high press, and like last week’s win over the Portland Timbers, Meram opened the game’s scoring early.
Off an Orlando City turnover, central midfielder Artur placed a pinpoint pass from the backline into space for Meram down the left sideline to beat the offside trap. The streaking midfielder carried the ball into the Lions’ penalty area before deflecting a left-footed shot off City goalkeeper Joe Bendik’s leg and into the bottom corner to give Crew SC the lead just 14 minutes in.