After more than two weeks away from home, Columbus Crew SC returned to MAPFRE Stadium with a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday in the Second Leg of the 2016 Trillium Cup.
Harrison Afful’s first career MLS goal sealed a point for the Black & Gold, and extended the club’s regular-season unbeaten streak at home to eight matches. Crew SC controlled more than 66 percent of the possession, and notched more than 86 percent passing accuracy in the draw.
The Black & Gold's best scoring chance in the first 45 came in the 21st minute, when Justin Meram laid a ball off to Dilly Duka just outside the Reds' penalty area. The newly acquired midfielder settled and fired, but his shot flew over the crossbar. Crew SC created more and more opportunities but, at the break, the two Eastern Conference sides were scoreless.
Following a 23-minute weather delay and Cedrick Mabwati coming on for Ethan Finlay during the break, the Black & Gold did not wait to take the lead. In the 54th minute, a Duka corner was partially cleared outside of the Toronto penalty area toward Afful. The defender wound up, and struck a first-time shot that flew into the bottom right corner of the goal to give Crew SC the 1-0 advantage.
Just 10 minutes later, however, the Reds equalized. Toronto forward Jordan Hamilton received a through-ball from Jay Chapman, and powered home a shot from close range.
The Black & Gold ramped up their pressure following Toronto's goal, forming opportunities to once again take the lead. Ola Kamara had a number of chances to score his fourth goal in as many matches, with his best coming in the 76th minute, when his free-kick went just inches over the crossbar.
Steve Clark came up big in the final minutes of the match, including a save from a point-blank strike in the 88th minute to keep the match scoreless. And when the final whistle blew, Crew SC claimed a point, and its second straight draw with the Reds.
The Black & Gold will play their second of three-straight home matches on Saturday, when D.C. United come to town. Kickoff at MAPFRE Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. TICKETS
