With a 2-0 win over Nashville SC on Wednesday, it was a quick turnaround for the Columbus Crew as they hosted Trillium Cup rivals Toronto FC for the first time this season. Toronto have failed to beat Columbus in their last three matches (0W-1D-2L), and have failed to register a league win in their last five outings. Columbus, on the other hand, leads the series against the Reds and looks to continue their hot form in hopes of extending their win streak to four games.

The Crew nearly got the scoring started early in the seventh minute when Christian Ramirez was sent in on goal. His ensuing shot was sent high over the net but showed how quick Columbus can turn on the attack.

In the ninth minute, Toronto FC was awarded a free kick that nearly resulted in a goal by former Crew winger Derrick Etienne Jr, but nothing came of the opportunity.

Cucho Hernandez opened the scoring for the Black & Gold in the 15th minute when his header found the back of the net off a Diego Rossi corner kick. This would mark Hernandez’s sixth consecutive game with a goal contribution.

Hernandez nearly doubled the lead off of another corner kick again, but the goal was eventually called back after Steven Moreira was called for a foul inside the penalty box.

Christian Ramirez and 20,000+ begged for a foul in the 35th minute when the forward was taken down inside the penalty box. Referee Ted Unkel decided no foul and play was allowed to continue.

In the last 10 minutes of the first half, both teams created ample opportunities but no team could convert as the score read 1-0 in favor of the home side.

Ramirez got his name on the scoresheet to give Columbus a 2-0 lead. Rossi was able to play Ramirez who was waiting at the penalty spot, before turning and slotting the ball into the back of the net. With his goal, the forward has now recorded a goal contribution in the last four matches for the Club.

Mohamed Farsi tallied a goal himself when he was on the receiving end of a Rossi header to head the ball past Sean Johnson to make the score 3-0. Just minutes later, Rossi etched his name on the goal sheet giving the Club a 4-0 lead.

Derrick Jones found Rossi making the run ahead of him and played a through ball that saw it ricochet off of a Toronto defender’s heel and flick up towards Rossi, who was able to dispatch it past Johnson for the Crew’s fourth of the night.

Columbus looked to have wanted more but sufficed to the 4-0 scoreline to extend their win streak to four games as they prepare to travel west to take on LAFC.

Columbus likes goals

The Columbus Crew are scoring goals for fun. In their last four matches, the Crew have outscored their opponents 15-1, and are looking to continue to add as they make their way up the Eastern Conference standings.

Red hot form

With the win, the Columbus Crew now extend their win streak to four games ahead of their 2023 MLS Cup rematch against LAFC next weekend.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew travel to the West Coast to visit LAFC in a 2023 MLS Cup rematch. It will be the Crew’s first appearance at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Kickoff is slated for 10:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.