Columbus Tops Tampa Bay

Stern John scored two goals in a seven-minute span Sunday and the Columbus Crew beat the Tampa Bay Mutiny, 2-0, in the first game of the best-of-three Major League Soccer Eastern Conference semifinals.

John’s first goal came in the 77th minute on an assist from Brian West, who had kicked it toward Brian McBride. The ball landed at McBride’s feet, but he never touched it as John scored from 12 yards, beating Mutiny goalkeeper Scott Garlick on the left side.

John, whose 18 goals in the regular season tied him for the league lead, used the bottom of his foot to redirect a free kick by Robert Warzycha past Garlick in the 84th minute.

The teams play again Friday in Tampa Bay, with a third game, if necessary, in Columbus on Oct. 27. The winner of the series plays either D.C. United or Miami in the conference finals.

Tampa Bay had an edge of 17-13 in total shots--11-5 in the second half--but Columbus had a 5-2 lead in shots on goal. The Mutiny was called for 22 fouls, compared with eight for the Crew.