Columbus, OH – Real Salt Lake is officially in a slump.
Tony Tchani and Eddie Gaven scored in the first half as Columbus defeated Real Salt Lake, 2-0, at Crew Stadium on Saturday in MLS.
Real has lost its last three matches. It began the year with just three losses in its first 14 games.
Columbus (6-5-4) rebounded from its first defeat in its last seven matches, as it remained in sixth and one point behind the Houston Dynamo in the East.
RSL (10-6-2), which lost its previous two matches at home to the Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes, is still second in the West.
Tchani opened the scoring off a pass from Emilio Renteria, as he converted to the bottom-right corner in the 16th minute.
Gaven added his goal in the 44th minute, as he reached a corner kick from Josh Williams and drove a high shot to the middle of the net.
Columbus maintained its cushion, as it became just the fourth team to shut out Real this season. Andy Gruenebaum made two saves for the clean sheet.
The Crew visit the Montreal Impact for their next match July 8. Real Salt Lake hosts Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday.