When Columbus Crew SC and Toronto FC take the pitch Saturday night at BMO Field, more than just points will be on the line for these two Eastern Conference sides.
Saturday’s match commences the 2016 Trillium Cup, the annual rivalry between the Black & Gold and the Reds named after the official flower of Ontario and official wildflower of Ohio. The cup officially began in 2008, which was the second season of Toronto FC’s existence and the year Crew SC claimed its first MLS Cup title.
Some of the best moments in Black & Gold history have taken place during Trillium Cup matches.
On July 25, 2009, in the third match of that year’s Trillium Cup at MAPFRE Stadium, Crew SC and TFC were tied 2-2 for a 4-4 aggregate in the series. Defender Frankie Hejduk carried the ball down the right side two minutes into stoppage time. The legend swung in a cross that found the head of Jason Garey, who gave the Black & Gold the lead for good with a powerful header, capturing the club’s second Trillium Cup in two years.
A year later, on October 16, 2010, stoppage time drama once again unfolded, this time at BMO Field in Toronto. Down 2-1 in the second minute of extra time, Crew SC’s Chad Marshall curled a corner into the Reds’ penalty area. After a deflection, the ball fell to the feet of ‘keeper William Hesmer, who fired a shot into the back of the net to equalize for the Black & Gold.
Fast-forward to August 17, 2013, and you have another memorable Trillium Cup moment for Crew SC. With the series tied on aggregate at two goals apiece, Federico Higuain registered his second brace in as many weeks to claim three points and a 2-0 win for the Black & Gold. The victory also sealed the club’s fifth Trillium Cup in six years.
Now, three years later, the series has seen a total of 22 matches, 62 goals and a number of memorable highlights. The Black & Gold have won six Trillium Cup titles (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015), and hold a 10-5-7 record all-time in cup matches.
The last match came on October 17, 2015, and ended in a 2-0 Crew SC victory behind goals from Ethan Finlay and Higuain, who scored with a beautiful chip. The win clinched the Black & Gold’s spot in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Black & Gold will look to continue their Trillium Cup success at Toronto FC Saturday. Kickoff from BMO Field is set for 5:00 p.m. For those supporters staying in Columbus, Crew SC will host a viewing party at Fado.
