Columbus Crew have moved into the MLS Eastern Conference playoff positions with a 1-0 win at Toronto FC.

A single Dominic Oduro goal just before half time secured the points for the visitors.

It was Columbus who started better, passing the ball well in the opening 10 minutes before Federico Higuain's long-range effort stung the fingers of Joe Bendik.

Higuain then saw a similar effort bounce back off the post, before former Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw missed the chance to score for the hosts, hitting his half-volley straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

Columbus hit the post for a second time shortly afterwards, with Higuain again denied by the upright from outside the box, before finally taking the lead a few minutes before half time.

Higuain picked up the ball in midfield and turned away from his marker before playing the ball through to Oduro, who made no mistake from just inside the box and fired it past Bendik and into the bottom corner.

The home side pushed hard for an equaliser after the break, with Earnshaw missing the target from close-range following a corner.

A counter-attack midway through the half allowed Oduro the chance to get his second goal, but the forward shot wide after being played through by Higuain.

With 15 minutes to go, Earnshaw's curling effort from the edge of the box was tipped wide by the goalkeeper and although they continued to press their opponents, Toronto were unable to find an equaliser.