The tie gave both clubs one point in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Crew held a 1-0 advantage before Padula's late mistake kept the reigning MLS Cup champions (0-0-2) winless after two games in the new season.
The Reds (1-0-1) have earned four points in two road games after getting just 10 points on the road in all of the 2008 season, when they went 4-11 away from home.
Reigning MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto of Columbus converted a penalty kick in the 30th minute, his second goal in as many games.
Later, off-season acquisition Dwayne De Rosario pressured Columbus and was rewarded when Padula booted the ball into his own goal.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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