Toronto FC: 10 key numbers from 3-1 win over Columbus Crew SC

We look at 10 key statistics to break down Toronto FC’s impressive 3-1 win over Columbus Crew SC on Sunday night.

In theory home-field advantage won’t mean as much in 2020, compared to your average MLS season. For Toronto FC specifically, any such advantage is further compromised by playing the remainder of their ‘home’ games this year in East Hartford.

Regardless, there is still something to be said for aiming to finish as high as possible in the standings. In this respect Sunday night’s game versus Columbus Crew SC was an important one for TFC, who were also looking to showcase their credentials as genuine contenders.

The Reds rose to the challenge with an impressive performance, as they closed the gap at the top of the Eastern Conference. Here are 10 key numbers from the 3-1 win versus Columbus:

3- Toronto became the first team this season to score three goals against Columbus. To put this further into context, Columbus had only allowed five league goals in total during 2020 heading into Sunday night’s contest.

6- Columbus entered the matchup versus TFC with a six-game unbeaten streak. (Ironically enough, ahead of Toronto’s previous game, New York City FC were similarly unbeaten in six contests.) The Reds’ win dramatically changed the outlook of the standings, as they moved to within two points of Columbus at the top of the Eastern Conference as opposed to potentially falling eight points behind.

2 – Richie Laryea set a new personal career-high on Sunday night, with two assists versus Columbus. He also scored for the fourth time this season — another personal high — with a goal of the season contender.

3 (again) – Alejandro Pozuelo scored for the third consecutive game for the first time in his playing career. For context, he has played 212 games combined in MLS, the Belgian Jupiler League and La Liga. (Pozuelo also had his league-leading ninth assist of the season.)

40 – This was the minute defender Chris Mavinga scored an own goal, to give Columbus a 1-0 lead in the first half. As per ESPN, this was the third own goal in the past two seasons for Mavinga, who has yet to score for TFC in 78 appearances (including 71 starts).

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8 – Columbus had eight shots compared to two by their opponent, as they dominated the opening 45 minutes in terms of chances created. However, it was a complete role reversal in the second half, as TFC had a similar 8-2 advantage in attempts at goal.

17 – Toronto saw a marked improvement with 17 crosses versus Columbus (who had 12). In their previous game against New York City FC, the Reds had just seven crosses.

545- It is no surprise to hear TFC had 55.7 percent of the possession, when they had a 545-434 edge in passes. The possession advantage was helped by winning 55 duels compared to 39 by Columbus.

2 (again) – Due to the combination of age and injuries, it’s possible Jozy Altidore’s best days are behind him. However, after a concerning goal drought to start the 2020 season, Altidore’s ferocious strike versus Columbus means he has now scored twice in his last four games.

11 – TFC now have 11 wins in 38 games versus Columbus, but still trail the all-time series 11-14-13. However, one of Toronto’s wins came during the 2017 playoffs, as they knocked Columbus out on the way to winning their first MLS  Cup.

What impressed you most about Toronto FC’s performance against Columbus Crew SC? Moving forward, what is your prediction for TFC’s next game versus the Philadelphia Union? Let us know in the comments section below.