Columbus Crew SC racked up another impressive home win and jumped back into top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 victory over the previously unbeaten Toronto FC.
Toronto started the game looking much the better side as Crew SC struggled to get a hold of the ball, despite having playmaker and team centerpiece Federico Higuain back in the team after missing last weeks out-of-sorts performance at Chicago.
Jozy Altidore gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 21st minute with a precise header that just beat the outstretched arms of Crew SC ‘keeper Zack Steffen.
Ola Kamara equalized in the 37th minute with one of the easiest goals he’ll score this year, tapping in the ball to an empty net after being set up by rookie Niko Hansen, who made a strong case to become first choice winger with an impressive evening’s work down the right.
Justin Meram gave Crew SC the lead just before half time with an instinctive flick after finding himself in the right place as the ball was knocked down from a Columbus corner.
Crew SC extended their second half shutdown with a resilient display that, despite a boatload of Toronto pressure, kept the lead in tact and sent Toronto FC away with their first defeat of the young season.
Matt Ellis is a freelance photographer who covers bands that visit the city and the Columbus Crew MLS team. More about Matt can be found at Matt Ellis Photography.
