Los Angeles FC defender Laurent Ciman, below, celebrates his goal with midfielder Lee Nguyen during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Laurent Ciman returned from a two-game absence and scored in the opening minutes to help Los Angeles FC beat the Columbus Crew 2-0 on Saturday night.
Ciman, the last player cut from the Belgian national team as it prepared for the World Cup, sent a free kick from 40 yards out just inside the post to open the scoring in the fourth minute.
Adama Diomande doubled the advantage in the eighth. Benny Feilhaber dropped it to Lee Nguyen at the top of the box, and he found Diomande for the finish from the center of the area.
Tyler Miller, who had allowed 10 combined goals in the last five games, had one save in his fifth shutout of the season for LAFC.
Columbus (7-5-6) has lost two in a row after a nine-game unbeaten streak
LAFC (8-4-3) is unbeaten at home (three wins, three ties) this season.
Los Angeles FC midfielder Eduard Atuesta, right, tries to move the ball as Columbus Crew forward Federico Higuain holds him back during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. LAFC won 2-0. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing, left, and Columbus Crew defender Jonathan Mensah try to head the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. LAFC won 2-0. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC forward Adama Diomande, left, and Columbus Crew defender Lalas Abubakar try to head the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Columbus Crew defender Lalas Abubakar, left, and Los Angeles FC forward Adama Diomande try to head the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press