Columbus Crew forward Kei Kamara, left, kicks to the goal in front of New York City FC defender Jason Hernandez during the first half of an MLS soccer game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. ((Fred Squillante/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Justin Meram had a goal and two assists and Columbus beat New York City FC 3-2 on Saturday night for its first victory of the season.
Meram's second goal of the season came when he drove home a centering pass from Ethan Finlay in the 80th minute.
Meram had helpers on Finlay's first goal in the seventh minute and Kei Kamara's second in the 49th minute that gave the Crew (1-3-2) a 2-1 lead. Kamara had seven shots, but only the last one was on goal. Columbus had 15 shots, but only three on target.
David Villa tied it for New York in the 18th minute when he headed a high cross from Andoni Iroala and added his fourth of the season on a penalty kick in the 87th minute.
NYC (1-2-3) upped the pressure at the end, but had its winless streak stretch to five games when Steve Clark made a point-blank save on Patrick Mullins in stoppage time.
New York City FC goalkeeper Josh Saunders (12) and the rest of the New York team can only watch as the Columbus Crew's first goal goes into the net during the first half of an MLS soccer game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. ((Fred Squillante/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
New York City FC defender Ronald Matarrita (22) slides under Columbus Crew defender Harrison Afful during the first half of an MLS soccer game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. ((Fred Squillante/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
Columbus Crew forward Kei Kamara (23) slides under New York City FC goalkeeper Josh Saunders (12) during the first half of an MLS soccer game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. ((Fred Squillante/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press