Toronto FC win franchise record fifth straight match
Even without Sebastian Giovinco in the lineup, Toronto FC were able to score two late goals and add to their lead in the Eastern Conference.
Going into Wednesday night’s match against the Columus Crew, Toronto FC had only one thought on their mind – revenge. It was in the sixth game of the season where TFC suffered their only loss of the campaign; 2-1 to Columbus. Since then they have been making a climb to the top of the Eastern Conference and looking to make history.
It was the team’s third game in eight days and they found out star striker Sebastian Giovinco would not be playing for a second straight time with a heel injury. It was not looking good at the start of the game for TFC, as Columbus took an early 1-0 advantage through Federico Higuain’s penalty kick.
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
The team struggled to produce offence during the game, with Jozy Altidore missing a chance to tie it in the 37th minute on a penalty kick. Head coach Greg Vanney decided to make a change in order to bring a spark. In the 40th minute he brought in Tosaint Rickets then Benoit Cheyrou and Raheem Edwards and everything changed.
In the 81st minute Rickets ran to the net and got enough on his header to change the direction of the ball to get it into the net. Then in the 89th minute it was Rickets who put TFC ahead and the game out of reach. Just like the first goal, Edwards was able to put the ball in a perfect spot for Rickets to deflect it past goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
TFC only had three shots on target, while Alexander Bono was busy stopping five attempts at the other end. TFC was fortunate the Crew could not capitalize on their struggles. especially early in the game.
For most of the game it looked like Toronto was going to be in tough to make a comeback. However, the two quick goals helped fans forget the team’s inability to move the ball effectively.
Next: TFC gain some measure of Revenge in Seattle
With the victory, TFC now has a four-point cushion between them and Orlando City SC for top spot in the Eastern Conference. They will look for their sixth straight win on Saturday as they welcome the expansion club Minnesota United FC, who are seventh in the Western Conference with a 2-4-3 record.