MLS: Columbus 2 Houston 2

Columbus Crew moved top of the MLS Eastern Conference after sharing the spoils of a 2-2 draw with Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.

The hosts at Columbus Crew Stadium were immediately under pressure when midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo was sent off on 11 minutes for pushing opponent Adam Moffat in the face.

Houston made the most of their numerical advantage in the first half, as Je-Vaughn Watson headed home Jermaine Taylor’s cross in the 34th minute.

Andres Mendoza equalised from the penalty spot 11 minutes after the break, as Cam Weaver was penalised for a handball in the area.

In a stark turnaround, Mendoza then fired his side ahead – again from the spot – after Watson kicked Columbus’ Dilly Duka in the chest while trying to clear from defence.

An 86th-minute equaliser from substitute Calen Carr salvaged a point for Houston, as he fired Geoff Cameron’s cross into the roof of the net.

Columbus are one point clear atop the Eastern Conference, while Houston sit in fourth – five points adrift of the leaders.