David Accam scores twice as Union blank Crew

David Accam recorded two goals and assisted on the third to help the Philadelphia Union post a 3-0 home victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Ilsinho scored the other goal for the Union.

Last week, Philadelphia's 1-1 tie with Atlanta United was an indicator that things may be turning around in the early season.

Saturday's 3-0 win was proof positive.

Each team came into the game missing four players on "International weekend", a weekend where players were called into national team duty for their respective countries.

The adjustments took its toll far more on Columbus (2-1-1, seven points) than it did Philadelphia (1-2-1, four points).

Columbus never got into rhythm, mustering all of five shots in the game. Philadelphia had the run of play throughout the match and while only having nine shots of its own, made the most of its chances.

After a solid first 45 minutes that saw Philadelphia take a 2-0 lead into the break, it didn't take long in the second half to extend the lead.

Philadelphia made it 3-0 when Ilsinho had a loose ball in the penalty area deflect right to him and he buried it off the underside of the cross bar.

Fabrice-Jean Picault was credited with an assist on the goal.

Columbus came into the game having gone 264 minutes since allowing a goal. That stretched out to 294 minutes before Accam set it to rest.

Picault found a breaking Accam, who in turn waited for Crew goalie Joe Bendik to charge off his line before sliding it past him, bouncing it off the goal post and into the back of the net.

Just 10 minutes later, Accam made it 2-0. This time he battled three Columbus defenders in the penalty box before getting loose and short-siding Bendik to the goalie's right.

Each team ended the first half with three shots.