After two consecutive home draws with the Montreal Impact and Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew SC will look to take all three points this week when it takes on Toronto FC on the road. Before Saturday’s kickoff at BMO Field, here are three things to know about the Reds…
Giovinco leads loaded lineup
Toronto FC’s roster features U.S. Men’s National Team stars Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, as well as 2015 MLS MVP and Golden Boot recipient Sebastian Giovinco. The Italian international is following up his 2015 MVP campaign by picking up right where he left off in 2016, notching eight goals and five assists for the Reds. Just how important is Giovinco to Toronto’s attack? The midfielder has scored or assisted 13 of TFC’s 14 goals this year.
Altidore out with injury
Toronto FC announced on Monday that Jozy Altidore injured his hamstring while taking a penalty kick in the club’s 4-3 loss against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and that the star striker will miss six to eight weeks. Altidore has made eight appearances (six starts) through 11 matches in 2016, recording two assists for the club. He will surely be missed by the Reds.
Little success in Trillium Cup
Saturday’s clash between Crew SC and the Reds will commence the ninth installment of the annual Trillium Cup, and the 26th match overall between the two clubs. Toronto hasn’t seen much success in the series with the Black & Gold. Columbus leads the all-time Trillium Cup series 6-2 by an aggregate score of 35-27.
