Columbus spoils Toronto’s opener Philadelphia Union defeats Revolution.
TORONTO» Federico Higuain and Gyasi Zardes scored to help the Columbus Crew beat Toronto FC 2-0 on Saturday, spoiling the defending MLS champion Reds’ home opener.
Zack Steffen made two saves for Columbus.
Higuain one-timed Milton Valenzuela’s cross past diving goaltender Alex Bono in the 44th minute. Bono dived to get his hand on the shot, but he couldn’t get enough to keep it out. Higuain has 49 goals and 49 assists in 150 career MLS appearances.
Zardes scored a minute into the second half, getting his foot on Pedro Santos’ through ball and putting it past Bono.
Zardes joined the Crew in an offseason deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Toronto lost only one regular-season game last year at BMO Field.
Dynamo shuts out Atlanta United.
HOUSTON» Andrew Wenger opened the scoring with a tap-in in the fifth minute and the Houston Dynamo routed Atlanta United 4-0 in the season opener for the teams.
Alberth Elis outraced a defender to chase down Philippe Senderos’ long ball and sent a low cross to Wenger. CHESTER, PA.» Anthony Fontana and C.J Sapong scored as the Philadelphia Union beat 10-man New England 2-0 in the opener for the teams, spoiling Brad Friedel’s Revolution coaching debut.
Fontana opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a quick-reacting, left-footed stab to finish Sapong’s redirection of Alejandro Bedoya’s low cross.
Late own goal lifts FC Dallas to 1-1 draw. FRISCO, TEXAS» Real Salt Lake’s Marcelo Silva scored an own goal in the 86th minute and FC Dallas escaped the season opener with a 1-1 draw.
Maximiliano Urruti dribbled in from the right corner of the 18-yard box and fired a low hard cross that Silva deflected it into the top of the net.
Ten-man Orlando City salvages 1-1 draw. ORLANDO, FLA.» Stefano Pincho tied it in the 93rd minute and 10-man Orlando City salvaged a 1-1 draw with D.C. United in the season opener for the teams.
Justin Meram sent a ball forward into the area and Jonathan Spector crossed it to Pincho for a close-range finish.
Yamil Asad scored on a free kick in the 32nd minute.