Columbus Crew Draws 1-1 with Toronto FC in Crucial Playoff Push
COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Crew and Toronto FC battled to a 1-1 draw Saturday night at Lower.com Field in a physical contest with 32 combined fouls, intensifying the race for an Eastern Conference playoff spot with less than a month remaining in the MLS regular season.
The Crew opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Max Arfsten assisted Wessam Abou Ali, who scored past Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran.Abou Ali’s night was cut short, however, as he suffered a right ankle injury in the 31st minute.
Toronto responded in the 51st minute with a goal from Richie Laryea, tying the game at 1-1. Despite multiple opportunities for both sides, including chances for Columbus in the 55th and 58th minutes and a final push in extra time, neither team could find a game-winning goal. Toronto held a 54% possession advantage by halftime.
“We certainly know that we have everything in our control to win games,” said Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy. “this is what we are facing right now, and the only thing is to step back and analyze, and we’re gonna find a solution.”
Columbus midfielder Dylan Chambost echoed that sentiment, stating, “We have to keep working, and the result is going to be better.”
The Crew’s record now stands at 13-7-11. They will next face the chicago Fire (13-11-6) at Soldier Field next Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Six teams are currently separated by just three points in the Eastern conference standings.