HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — John Tolkin scored in the 33rd minute for his first MLS goal and the New York Red Bulls beat the Columbus Crew 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Columbus has lost five straight matches — the longest losing streak by a defending MLS champion since the LA Galaxy dropped seven in a row in 2006.
New York snapped a seven-game winless streak.
Tolkin, a defender in his 12th MLS start, cut back his defender at the corner of the 6-yard box and sent it through the legs of goalkeeper Eloy Room.
New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel had his seventh shutout of the season.
The Crew returns to Lower.com Field to host the Seattle Sounders FC Saturday (5:30 p.m./FOX).