Tapia, Habroune score goals, Schulte has 8 saves for Crew in 2-0 win over Cincinnati

Gonzalo Tapia and Taha Habroune scored goals as the Columbus Crew secured a 2-0 victory over Cincinnati FC in a match that marked the Crew's fourth win in their last five games. The young Brazilian midfielder Tapia contributed with a goal and an assist, while Habroune, playing his third MLS season, scored his third goal in as many games. The Crew now boast 35 points this season, trailing ninth-place Cincinnati by just one point in the Eastern Conference for the final wild-card spot.

Columbus has won three straight games against Cincinnati, marking their unbeaten streak in five consecutive matches. The rivalry between the two teams stands at 9-3-6 in the regular season. Patrick Schulte made an impressive display in goal, recording eight saves and achieving his sixth shutout of the season.

The decisive goal came in the 22nd minute when Brais Méndez delivered a corner kick to the back post, with Tapia being free to head the ball and give Columbus the lead. Habroune added to the score in the 54th minute with a well-taken first-touch shot off a pass from Tapia. Cincinnati FC, currently sitting at 9-11-9, has not won in their last nine games. The Crew will next face Toronto FC on Saturday, while Cincinnati will host D.C. United on Wednesday.