Toronto FC 0, Columbus Crew SC 0 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Franco Panizo

Toronto FC and Columbus Crew SC failed to find a breakthrough goal on Saturday evening at BMO Field as their Eastern Conference matchup ended in a 0-0 scoreless deadlock.

But it was not for a lack of chances, though, as both teams combined for 22 shots. Goalkeepers Steve Clark (Crew SC) and Clint Irwin (Toronto FC) had to come up big for their respective sides on multiple occasions to keep the game level, with Clark making two saves for Columbus, while Irwin stopped four shots on his way to his league-leading fifth shutout of 2016.

Sebastian Giovinco was front and center on many of TFC's best looks on the day, including in the 36th minute when he fired a shot from about 20 yards away that Clark impressively soared to push wide. Justin Meram came closest to providing the breakthrough for Crew SC, but his audacious 51st-minute chip was denied by the left post before Federico Higuain's rebounded effort was cleared by Toronto defender Josh Williams.

Neither side found that last bit of quality in the final third, and were forced to settle for a share of the points. Toronto are now 4-4-4 (16pts) on the year while Columbus are 2-4-5 (11pts).

Box Score

Three Things

BENDING BUT NOT BREAKING: Crew SC's defense surrendered eight shots, two of which were on frame -- to Giovinco, but it held firm and prevented the reigning MLS MVP from scoring or delivering an assist.
HOMESTAND FINALE: Saturday's draw saw Toronto FC finish their first homestand of the year with a 1-1-2 record. The club scored and conceded five goals in this first stretch of matches at BMO Field.
STILL WINLESS: Columbus may have picked up a point on the road, but they remain winless on the road in their last four matches. Gregg Berhalter's side is 0-1-3 in that stretch with draws in each of their last three fixtures.