Peterson helps Sporting KC beat Columbus 2-0

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Jacob Peterson and Teal Bunbury scored, and Sporting Kansas City beat the Columbus Crew 2-0 on Saturday to grab sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.

Kansas City (11-5-3) took the lead in the sixth minute when Peterson Joseph split the defense with a pass to Peterson, who beat goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum for the 1-0 lead. Bunbury got the second goal in the 82nd minute off a counterattack.

Jimmy Nielsen made four saves for his eighth shutout of the season. He got help in the 48th minute when Justin Meram's header went off the crossbar.

Columbus (6-7-4) has dropped three of four.