[dropcap]D[/dropcap]espite jumping out to a commanding 3-0 lead by the early goings of the second half, Columbus Crew SC failed to keep steam in the engine as Toronto FC fought back for a 3-3 draw Saturday night at MAPFRE Stadium.
“We’re all extremely devastated,” Crew SC Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said following the match. “You go up 3-0 against a good team and there’s no reason we should have given up 3.”
Kei Kamara showed his worth as an MLS All-Star in the 17th minute, as the league-leading goal scorer notched his 15th tally on the year. After Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik blocked a shot, Federico Higuain caught the reflection with a header to Kamara, who headed it home himself.
Crew SC maintained momentum 19 minutes later when Tony Tchani and Ethan Finlay teamed up for a one-two punch.
Finlay took the ball into the attacking end but lost control when the ball bounced off his heel. Tony Tchani, who was sitting behind Finaly, reached the ball and put a shot past Bendik for the early 2-0 advantage.
Just two minutes into the second half, Finlay would put home a goal for the 3-0 Columbus advantage.
Sebastian Giovinco and Collen Warner would strike within the next 10 minutes for Toronto FC to cut into the Columbus lead. It wasn’t until the 89th minute that Toronto would strike again, this time on a penalty kick.
Jozy Altidore and Waylon Francis collided in the box, giving Altidore the chance to strike and even the tally at 3-3.
Berhalter was befuddled with the penalty call, but said he didn’t know what happened to give up so many goals like that.
“It’s a tough one to swallow,” he said.
Columbus Crew SC will travel to Orlando City SC on Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
