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, US internationals provided the best chances for both sides. For the Crew, 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 was denied by Eloy Room.
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 found 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 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.
SeatGeek has great deals for upcoming MLS matches
GET TICKETS
Official Ticketing Partner of Major League Soccer
Goals
- 58' – TOR – Alejandro Pozuelo | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Toronto was able to secure the No. 4 seed and a playoff match hosting D.C. United, who couldn't score against nine-man FC Cincinnati. TFC have not lost since Aug. 3 against the Red Bulls. For Columbus, it was up-and-down in their first season with a new owner and a new coach, though this was just their second loss since mid-July.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The only goal was clearly the highlight, though there were some exciting near-goals to help fill out the highlight reel.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Westberg had two crucial saves in the match, needing to go high to deny Diaz, and held the clean sheet.
Next Up
- Toronto: Oct. 19 vs. D.C. United, 12 pm ET (Univision, TUDN) | Round One, Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs
- Columbus: End of season
