Played
August 22, 2012 7:35 PM EDT
Columbus Crew Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
Referee: S. Stoica
Attendance: 10049
August 22, 2012 7:35 PM EDT
Columbus Crew Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
Referee: S. Stoica
Attendance: 10049
Columbus Crew 2-1 Toronto FC: Strikes from Gaven and Higuain boost Columbus' playoff hopes
The Crew scored a big win at home against Eastern Conference rival Toronto FC.
By Shane Evans
Jamie Sabau
The Columbus Crew scrapped their way to a 2-1 win over Toronto FC thanks to an early goal from Eddie Gaven and a second-half strike from Federico Higuain.
Columbus got the scoring started in only the fourth minute as Gaven saw himself in some space at the top of the box with the ball. The American saw his shot drastically deflected by a frozen Freddy Hall between the posts.
The Crew continue to dominate the match through much of the first half and had little trouble controlling the flow of play. Last-place Toronto had little resistance to a much improved Columbus attack, spearheaded by Higuain and co.
Things didn't change much in the second half as the Crew dominated possession and allowed TFC little in the forward third. Robert Warzycha's men were able to extend their lead in the 58th minute through some slick passing by Gaven, Jairo Arrieta and Higuain. The ball ended with Higuain inside the box and the cultured Argentinian deposited confidently to make it 2-0.
Just under 15 minutes later, TFC was able to pull one back thanks to Luis Silva. Forward Eric Hassli slipped the ball into a streaking Silva. The midfielder was able to take a touch and slot the ball by Andy Gruenebaum to cut the Crew's lead in half.
Despite pressing for an equalizer, the Reds weren't able to tie things up and remain planted to the bottom of the East. Their next match comes in the CONCACAF Champions League against Santos Laguna at BMO Field on Aug. 28. Columbus moves up to a tie for sixth with Montreal and will take on the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 29 at PPL Park.
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Columbus got the scoring started in only the fourth minute as Gaven saw himself in some space at the top of the box with the ball. The American saw his shot drastically deflected by a frozen Freddy Hall between the posts.
The Crew continue to dominate the match through much of the first half and had little trouble controlling the flow of play. Last-place Toronto had little resistance to a much improved Columbus attack, spearheaded by Higuain and co.
Things didn't change much in the second half as the Crew dominated possession and allowed TFC little in the forward third. Robert Warzycha's men were able to extend their lead in the 58th minute through some slick passing by Gaven, Jairo Arrieta and Higuain. The ball ended with Higuain inside the box and the cultured Argentinian deposited confidently to make it 2-0.
Just under 15 minutes later, TFC was able to pull one back thanks to Luis Silva. Forward Eric Hassli slipped the ball into a streaking Silva. The midfielder was able to take a touch and slot the ball by Andy Gruenebaum to cut the Crew's lead in half.
Despite pressing for an equalizer, the Reds weren't able to tie things up and remain planted to the bottom of the East. Their next match comes in the CONCACAF Champions League against Santos Laguna at BMO Field on Aug. 28. Columbus moves up to a tie for sixth with Montreal and will take on the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 29 at PPL Park.
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jack McInerney Striker Philadelphia Union |
8 | 0 |
|
Mike Magee Midfielder LA Galaxy |
6 | 1 |
|
Claudio Bieler Striker Sporting KC |
6 | 1 |
|
Marco Di Vaio Striker Montreal Impact |
6 | 0 |
|
Robert Earnshaw Striker Toronto FC |
5 | 2 |
