[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Trillium Cup will head to Toronto after the Reds completed the season sweep of Columbus, 3-2, at Crew Stadium on Saturday Night.
In an uptempo match between the two rivals, Luke Moore’s 84th minute goal off of a corner kick ultimately became the difference. Toronto ends up taking nine points total from Columbus this season, outscoring the Crew 8-4.
The first 40 minutes was back and forth, each team having several opportunities to notch the first goal of the night. Moore and Gilberto both had chances in the first ten minutes while Adam Bedell of Columbus had a header attempt go high and wide in the 13th minute. In the 43rd minute, Gilberto put the Reds on top 1-0 with a shot that went far post, beating Steve Clark and bouncing into the net.
Just two minutes later, Crew CAM Federico Higuain had a chance that went just wide off of a chip attempt that beat everyone. He wouldn’t have to wait long to get another chance, however, as a hand ball call in first half stoppage time resulted in Higuain scoring from the penalty spot, his ninth goal on the season and fourth from the spot. The PK also ties him for second place all time in converted penalties in Crew history, tying Brian McBride with 11. Guillermo Barros Schelotto holds the record with 17.
The second half maintained the same frantic pace as chances were aplenty for both Columbus and Toronto. Jonathan Osorio had a great opportunity in the 55th minute, but was denied by Clark to keep the match 1-1. Osorio would get on the score sheet just a few minutes later in the 59th minute, slotting a left footed shot home past Clark.
Justin Meram, who has had a couple of late game heroics this season, came on in the 64th minute to spell Ben Speas at left midfield. He would continue those heroics in the 81st minute on what was an attempted cross for Aaron Schoenfeld, but ended up putting the ball into the far corner to make it 2-2.
GAME NOTES:
– Luke Moore and Tony Tchani made sure the rivalry was kept alive all by themselves tonight. The two midfielders had to be separated multiple times, though no cards were issues to either player. Late in the match, Moore was out of position numerous times as he tried to instigate Tchani into a fight. Tchani kept his head, however, and nothing came of it, though Moore could still be seen on the bench jawing at Tchani up to the final minute.
– Another match, another goose egg for Crew strikers. If the rumors are true about the Crew attempting to pull a striker from Europe on a free transfer before the window closes, it needs to happen sooner rather than later. Arrieta had a good run late tonight, but he is not in form after just coming off of injury. Bedell and Schoenfeld are just not getting it done.
– Ethan Finlay continues to grow more comfortable in the RW spot as the season goes on. The 23 year old has shown he’s a night and day difference from last year to this year.
– Tony Tchani had a solid match and had several beautiful passes that led to chances
– Federico Higuain continues to show just how important he is to the Crew attack. His work rate continues to be off the chart.
GAME STATS:
Crew Starting XI: Clark; Parkhurst, Gonzalez, Francis, Gehrig; Tchani, Trapp; Speas, Higuain, Finlay; Bedell
Toronto Starting XI: Bendik; Morrow, Creavalle, Henry, Hagglund; Bradley, Osorio; Oduro, Warner, Moore; Gilberto
Substitutes:
Crew: Arrieta – 63′ (Bedell), Meram – 64′ (Speas), Schoenfeld – 79′ (Gehrig)
Toronto: Jackson – 61′ (Oduro), Bekker – 90’+2′ (Moore)
Shots: Columbus – 16 (4), Toronto – 14 (8)
Fouls: Columbus – 9, Toronto – 10
Corners: Columbus – 9, Toronto – 6
Possession: Columbus – 49%, Toronto – 51%
Discipline: Columbus – NONE, Toronto – Doneil Henry – 53′
Saves: Columbus – 5, Toronto – 2
Attendance: 17,822
