Toronto FC continues to keep it interesting on the road.
The Reds came back from a three goal deficit in the second half against the Columbus Crew to secure a point at Mapfre Stadium on Saturday night.
Goals from Sebastian Giovinco, Collen Warner and Jozy Altidore left the Crew faithful in shock and rightfully so. TFC overcame a three goal deficit to earn a point for the first time in club history.
Greg Vanney opted for a 5-3-2 for the first time this season, with Jackson and Daniel Lovitz operating as outside backs. Giovinco was dealing with a heel bruise coming into the game and the injury flared up in the closing minutes of the match, putting his status for the All-Star Game in doubt.
Watch:Match Highlights | Greg Vanney | Collen Warner | Jozy Altidore | Justin Morrow
Elsewhere, Michael Bradley is set to return from the Gold Cup this weekend, giving the Reds a big shot in the arm ahead of their trip to Gillette Stadium this Saturday.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s thrilling draw in Columbus.
Warner Shines Again
The term ‘underrated’ may be the most overused in sports. The transition from underrated to overrated is scarily quick, but that’s a conversation for another day. Let’s just say this about Collen Warner: he’s an incredibly important player for TFC.
Warner landed his second man of the match honour this season after recording a goal and an assist against the Crew. The pass that set up Giovinco’s tally was sublime and his goal marked his first for the Reds.
“He was present on his challenges and he completed a vast majority of his passes,” said Vanney following the match.
“I thought he was excellent and the effort that he made to get into the box and finish the goal, I couldn’t be happier for him.”
There was some negative news, however, as the yellow card picked up by Warner in the 76th minute means he will be suspended for next Saturday’s match against New England.
Giovinco’s Heel Bruise Flares Up
Sebastian Giovinco could’ve scored three once again, but good goalkeeping by Steve Clark, an uncharacteristic miscue in front of goal and injury prevented the Atomic Ant from adding to his goal totals.
Still, Giovinco kickstarted TFC’s comeback with a perfectly timed volley in the 50th minute.
“He’s always dangerous,” said Crew midfielder Will Trapp.
”He’s a wonderful player. He gives you headaches. You know that at any moment he can hurt you and he scored a great goal.”
Gregg Berhalter’s side did an admirable job on Giovinco throughout the match, but in the end it was the heel bruise that had been nagging Seba throughout the week that caused him to exit the match prematurely.
“It’s this heel injury that we have been managing,” Vanney said.
“I think he is going to be alright, hopefully sooner rather then later. But it was just a little tweak on an injury that we have been working on.”
Giovinco’s status for Wednesday’s All-Star Game in Denver is in doubt, with more news on his status expected to be delivered on Monday.
Five Road Games Remaining
Toronto’s schedule with 15 games remaining looks like this: 10 at home and five on the road. On a points per game basis they’re third in the Eastern Conference.
The Eastern Conference is, in general, pretty crazy. With roster additions continuing to filter in (Drogba to Montreal being one possible deal), figuring out which six teams will make the playoffs isn’t exactly an easy endeavour.
With that said, taking points on the road at this stage in the season sets the Reds up well heading into the business end of the season.
“This was important, all the road games in my opinion are opportunities for us to pick up extra points,” Vanney said.
“We go on the road again in New England and it will be the same mindset. We will try and get three points but in the end it sets up that we only get one, we will take one and we need to get results at home.”
