The shutout was the Crew’s first since a 1-0 win at Chicago on July 15, and it snapped a four-game home winning streak for Toronto.
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Two Eastern Conference clubs aiming to improve their standings as the regular season nears its ending will collide today, Saturday, as Toronto FC (TFC) host Columbus Crew South Carolina for the third meeting between the clubs this season.
“When Seba’s up there in our initial shape or when we have two forwards”, said Vanney, “he has the freedom to drift and move around the field as he finds spaces available to him”.
Ethan Finlay opened the scoring in the first half and Federico Higuain extended the lead in second half stoppage time as the Crew (14-11-8) clinched a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The goal, however, was not without controversy, as the corner kick on which it was scored was awarded after Justin Morrow was shoved from behind.
Klopp is said to be keen on luring the forward back to Europe after he was appointed Reds manager as he looks to add a few of his preferred players into the squad.
Giovinco was isolated for the most part through the first quarter hour of the match as TFC tried in vain to service him with through balls in central areas but was largely ineffective. Osorio’s ability to beat players in the midfield was greatly missed today, acknowledged Greg Vanney. The Italian was frustrated throughout, something that boiled over as he had a go at several Columbus Crew defenders. I thought he was getting hung up a little bit between the centre backs too often.
Two minutes later, Vanney, realizing Giovinco’s inability to free himself of the marking, sent on strikers Luke Moore and Herculez Gomez as TFC shifted to a 4-3-3 with Giovinco slotting out wide on the left flank.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said he’d give young players a chance in the wake of early season struggles, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek looked lively early for the home side.
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“[This loss] won’t take anything away from the past stretch”, said Bradley. “[The Crew are] always going to be a good team with the ball, that is their thing”. Not only will it give long suffering Toronto supporters something to celebrate, it means a better chance Toronto FC will advance.
