Screenshot courtesy of Columbus Crew
A scoreless draw with home-state rival FC Cincinnati was a positive result as the Columbus Crew secured a playoff spot to defend their 2023 MLS Cup before taking their talent north of the border to face Toronto FC. Head coach Wilfried Nancy rotated the team heavily, with Cucho Hernandez, Christian Ramirez and Darlington Nagbe starting on the bench on Wednesday.
It didn’t take long for the first shot on goal to fall, as Federico Bernardeschi was able to dribble around full-back DeJuan Jones in the 16-yard box. His strong left foot shot bounced off the crossbar and led to a goal kick. It was the first shot across the bow with which TFC wanted to beat the reigning MLS Cup winners.
In a hard-fought game between both teams, both sides struggled to score as the first half progressed, resulting in long periods of possession without any clear scoring opportunities.
Columbus had the most problems, with the numerous turnovers being the most noticeable factor, despite the Crew being the team that creates chances and maintains possession. For Toronto, the press seemed to pull Columbus out of position, allowing Lorenzo Insigne and Bernardeschi time and space on the ball.
It took the Crew just seven minutes into the second half to break the ice when Cucho Hernandez fired home a pass from Jacen Russell-Rowe at the near post, beating Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Andres Herrera doubled the Crew’s lead in the 71st minute after comfortably putting his shot past Johnson shortly after picking up the loose ball in the box.
Toronto FC had a golden chance in the 86th minute when the Reds were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area just outside the 16-yard box. Bernardeschi stepped up to take the shot but it went wide of the goal and well over the bar.
Hernandez almost scored a third goal after the Colombian striker picked up a loose ball and dribbled towards goal. His shot was blocked and went out of play, resulting in a corner kick. In order to keep possession and not allow a counterattack, the Black and Gold decided to play short.
TFC tried to capitalize on its chances in the final minutes of the game, but was unable to score before the final whistle, allowing Columbus to take all three points and temporarily move the Black and Golds up to second place in the Eastern Conference.
The defense stood firm
Despite not conceding a goal, the Columbus Crew defense has continued to perform well. Heading into the match, the Crew defense had a goals-against average of 1.06 in 27 games, allowing the fewest goals this season (28) and tied with Inter Miami CF for the best goal differential in the league (+24) after 27 games.
Cucho continues to impress
Before the game, Hernandez had scored 52 goals in 85 games in all competitions. With his goal, he now has 53 goals in 86 games and 39 goals in 65 regular season games.
What happens next?
The Columbus Crew are back in action on Saturday, this time against Orlando City. Kickoff at Lower.com Field is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the game with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
