Toronto FC 1, Columbus Crew SC 0 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

TORvCLB Recap

Toronto FC finished the season on a ten-game undefeated streak, capping it with a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew SC at BMO Field on Sunday afternoon, thanks to a timely Alejandro Pozuelo free kick goal.


In the first half, U.S. national team players provided the best chances for both sides. For the Crew SC, it was Gyasi Zardes getting loose on a breakaway in the 22nd minute, only for Quentin Westberg to kick-save away his attempt. TFC's chances came later in the half, starting in the 34th minute, when Jozy Altidore just went wide on a shot after breaking defensive lines inside the box. Shortly following that attempt, Michael Bradley (in perhaps his final regular-season appearance in red) was denied by Eloy Room on a potential goal.


Pozuelo was finally able to break the deadlock in the 58th minute, taking the free kick that Altidore earned just outside the 18, freezing Room on a shot that nestled nearly dead center in the back of the net. Pozuelo nearly had a role in doubling the lead just four minutes later, serving up a would-be assist that sub Nicolas Benezet just missed on his slide in front of goal.


Luis Diaz was nearly able to get the Crew SC back level in the 64th minute, but Westberg was able to tip the shot away to safety, and that was the closest the visitors got to keeping their own five-game unbeaten streak going. Patrick Mullins, traded from Columbus to Toronto in July, nearly scored twice in stoppage time but couldn't secure the insurance goal in the end.