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Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC: Preview & How to Watch

By Mark Shannon

Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA;Columbus Crew SC defender Josh Williams (3) dribbles the ball in the second half of the match against the Toronto FC at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA;Columbus Crew SC defender Josh Williams (3) dribbles the ball in the second half of the match against the Toronto FC at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC heads to Columbus in search of their fifth straight win!

Last time these two teams faced off Columbus came away with the 2-1 victory. Toronto dominated and the better of the chances for most of the game, but couldn’t get the ball past Zack Steffen more than once. While it’s a much different Toronto FC team this time around playing an away game at Mapfre Stadium is always a hard task. The loss against Columbus is Toronto’s only loss this season so far.

Columbus, on the other hand, started off the season strong, but have since come back to earth and have been playing up-and-down soccer. Ola Kamara is having a strong start to the season as he’s currently tied for second in scoring with six to his name. Justin Meram and Frederico Higuain have caused fits for defenders with their passing and creativity.

May 3, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tornto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) celebrates his second goal with midfielder Marky Delgado (18) and defender Eriq Zabaleta (15) during the game at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tornto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) celebrates his second goal with midfielder Marky Delgado (18) and defender Eriq Zabaleta (15) during the game at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto FC

Record: 5-4-1
Last Week: 2-1 Win vs Orlando, 1-0 Win over Seattle.
Player to watch for: Sebastian Giovinco. He’s playing on a week’s rest after not traveling to Seattle on the weekend. He’s coming off another two-goal game and he’ll be looking for more as Toronto will look to control possession and dominate the Columbus Crew once again in search of their fifth straight victory.
Why they win: Get the early jump on Columbus. Last time these two teams faced Toronto got out to an early lead but relinquished that in a 15-minute span. They’ll have to jump on Columbus early and hang on to the lead if they want to win this game. Getting the offense involved like they have over the past four games will surely help break down the Crew’s defense.
Why they lose: Defensive lapses. It was the story through the first 6 weeks of the season and it was the story the last time these two teams faced off. Toronto has to be as solid defensively as they have been during the win streak and hold off the attacking prowess of Kamara, Higuain, and Meram.

Starting XI vs Columbus Crew

May 6, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC forward Ola Kamara (11) congratulates forward Federico Higuain (10) on his goal against the New England Revolution at MAPFRE Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC forward Ola Kamara (11) congratulates forward Federico Higuain (10) on his goal against the New England Revolution at MAPFRE Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

Columbus Crew

Record: 5-1-4
Last Week: 2-0 Win over New England
Player to watch: Frederico Higuain. They say some players age like fine wine, and that’s Higuain. He may not have his brothers attacking prowess, but he’s an amazing playmaker and has been his entire career. He’s off to a great start this season in the goal and assist department and he’ll be looking to create a little more tomorrow night and break down the Toronto back three.
Why they win: They break down the Toronto FC defense, plain and simple. Toronto has been one of the best defensive units this season, especially over the last four games. But if the Crew can do what they did last time they faced then there should be no problem for the Crew to find the back of the net and win another game.
Why they lose: Toronto’s offense is too much. They’ve been scoring at will the last four games and if they can do the same then the Crew are in for a tough time this time around. Sebastian Giovinco is off and running, and so is Jozy so the Crew better be on their A game if they plan on knocking off the Eastern Conference leaders.

Starting XI vs Toronto FC

Prediction

Next: MLS Fantasy: Match Day 10 Recap

How to Watch

Canada: TSN 4 – TSN 5

USA: MyTV – Spectrum Sports – BCSN2

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