A dead-ball free kick from Toronto FC's Alejandro Pozuelo marked the difference in Columbus Crew SC's 1-0 loss at Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 6 as part of Decision Day of the 2019 MLS regular season.

The defeat means Columbus ends the year with a 10-16-8 record, while Toronto sealed a fourth-place seeding and a home-opener in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Pozuelo's free-kick strike came in the 58th minute, but early on, it was Columbus' Eloy Room who stood out.

The Curacao international kept the scoresheet level midway through the first half with a spectacular double-save on TFC's Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.

Costa Rican Luis Diaz had the most impressive opportunity for Crew SC on the night with a rocket of a right-footed strike from distance, but TFC's goalkeeper did well to get a fingertip on it before it deflected off the crossbar.

On the day, Toronto outshot Columbus 14-7, though only 4-2 in shots on target. TFC held 52.3 percent of the possession, while Room's three saves marked a match-high, as did Columbus' eight corners.

With the 2019 regular season coming to a close, the Club's attention turns to the Oct. 10 Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Crew's new Downtown Stadium. | RSVP

Lineups:

Toronto FC

Columbus Crew SC

MATCH NOTES

• Defender Jonathan Mensah finished the day with five clearances, more than any other player for Crew SC. Mensah played the entire 90 minutes, also registering one tackle, 88 touches, 77 passes and finishing with a passing percentage of 84.4. In 2019, Mensah made 24 regular-season appearances (23 starts). Since joining Crew SC ahead of the 2017 regular season, Mensah has made 77 regular-season appearances (74 starts) recording three goals and providing one assist.
  
• Connor Maloney finished today’s road contest against Toronto FC with four interceptions, more than any other player on either team. The defender played 83 minutes, registering three clearances, second highest for the Black & Gold. In 2019, Maloney made 10 regular-season appearances (nine starts). Since joining Crew SC in 2017, Maloney has made 13 regular-season appearances (10 starts) and provided two assists.
  
• Midfielder Luis Diaz led Crew SC with two shots (one on target) and created two chances for the Black & Gold. Diaz played the entire 90 minutes, registering 37 touches and five crosses. In 2019, Diaz made 13 regular-season appearances (9 starts), scoring two goals and providing four assists.
  
• In a stretch of 13 matches to conclude the regular season, Crew SC lost just two matches, compiling a record of 5-2-6 dating back to a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire on July 17. The Black & Gold’s most recent undefeated streak spanned five matches, dating back to a 3-1 road victory over FC Cincinnati (August 25). Over that span, the Black & Gold posted a record of 3-0-2.