COLUMBUS, Ohio(AP) -- Emilio Renteria scored a gift goal in the

first half and William Hesmer had his second straight shutout

and eighth of the season as the Columbus Crew defeated Houston

3-0 on Saturday in Crew Stadium.

Andy Iro scored in the 84th minute and Leandre Griffit, two

minutes into his MLS debut, added another in the 90th.

Columbus (10-3-4) is first Eastern Conference. Houston (5-8-4)

is 0-4-3 in the past seven games. Renteria took advantage of a

blunder by Houston backup goalkeeper Tally Hall in the 34th

minute.

Hall backpedaled as he tried to field a ball outside the penalty

area and fell. Renteria picked up the loose ball and scored

easily.

Houston defender Bobby Boswell received a second yellow card

with 18 minutes left.