With the Columbus Crew out of the Leagues Cup and having their match against New York City FC rescheduled, the Black & Gold had a week off from playing before traveling North of the border to take on Toronto FC. The Reds entered the match coming off a huge draw against the Philadelphia Union, and were looking to derail the good season Columbus has been enjoying thus far.

The Crew had other plans, with Diego Rossi getting the visitors on the board in the eighth minute of play. Defender Steven Moreira attempted a pass to the center of the 18-yard box, which was deflected away by the heel of a Toronto defender. The ball met Rossi unexpectedly, allowing him to trap and finish on the half-volley with his right foot past Sean Johnson.

Andres Herrera nearly doubled the lead for the visitors, as he was able to get in behind the Toronto defense and receive a pass inside the 18-yard box. His left-footed shot, however, was saved by Toronto goalie Sean Johnson to keep the score at 1-0.

Toronto had few chances to equalize, with their best chance coming late in the first half from DeAndre Kerr, but the attempt was saved by Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Toronto also had a claim for a penalty kick when Djordje Mihailovic was taken down inside the penalty area, but referee Chris Penso waved play on.

Toronto started the second half with renewed energy, frustrating Columbus on the attack.

The Reds nearly found their equalizer in the 52nd minute, but Kerr just put his attempt wide of the near post.

Both teams created chances, with Columbus gaining a higher percentage of expected goals (xG) and having the better looks on goal throughout the second half. Within the last 15 minutes of the match, it was Toronto that got the better of Columbus, with Jules-Athony Vilsaint capitalizing on a cross from the left wing by Mihailovic, placing the finish between the legs of Schulte.

Columbus thought they found the go-ahead goal through Daniel Gazdag, but upon video review, the goal was negated due to Gazdag being in an offside position, once Max Arfsten played the pass to the back post.

Toronto came close to getting the go-ahead goal late in the second half, but the attempt couldn’t find the frame and was sent out for a goal kick. At the other end, Dylan Chambost found Gazdag making a run into the penalty area. The pass to the Hungarian forward was a bit hard, with Gazdag unable to settle and get a shot off.

Sean Johnson was called into action in second-half stoppage time, when Gazdag dribbled through the penalty box and had a shot on target at the near post, forcing Johnson to make the diving save, ensuring the 1-1 draw stood.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are back at home next Saturday to host the New England Revolution. Kickoff from Lower.com Field is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.