COLUMBUS (AP) — Gyasi Zardes scored two goals and the Eastern Conference-leading Columbus Crew SC beat FC Cincinnati 3-0 on Sunday night for their fifth straight shutout.
Columbus hasn’t surrendered a goal since July 28 and has given up only two all season.
The Crew allowed 1,500 spectators to attend the match at Mapfre Stadium.
Pedro Santos scored his first goal of the season in the 52nd minute.
Ten minutes later, Zardes replaced Fanendo Adi and scored in the 64th and 71st to seal it.
Cincinnati sits a point behind D.C. United for the 10th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Cincinnati hasn’t won since July 22.
The Crew travels to face Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Univision).