By Sofia Pisano
In a match that stole the sleep of Canadian fans, Toronto FC faced off against Columbus Crew in MLS Week 32 on September 18. This encounter presented a critical opportunity for both teams, though the final outcome left the home side contemplating an uncertain future.
Columbus Crew arrived with a mission to shake off the disappointment of two consecutive games without a win, particularly after suffering a heavy defeat in their last outing against Seattle Sounders. Meanwhile, Toronto was in dire need of a victory to inch closer to the coveted playoff line—a goal that continues to be a beacon of hope for many teams in the league. Unfortunately for the hosts, the night did not unfold in their favor.
The match began with promising intent from Toronto, especially through the versatility of Federico Bernardeschi, who has emerged as the team's standout player. However, after an energetic start, the game quickly settled into a divided affair, lacking a clear dominator and with the game concentrated in the midfield.
Columbus struggled to find their rhythm, failing to make a significant impact on the Toronto goal until well past the half-hour mark. Their attempts were tentative, and confusion reigned as the visiting side struggled to find cohesion among its players.
The halftime break proved pivotal for the Crew. Armed with a new game plan and effective substitutions, head coach Wilfried Nancy managed to steer the match in a different direction. The introduction of Cucho Hernández was decisive; he scored the first goal in the 51st minute, turning the tide and shifting the momentum in favor of Columbus.
Toronto was forced to retreat, desperately seeking counterattack opportunities. However, the lack of depth on their bench was evident, and head coach John Herdman found himself in a difficult position. The situation worsened when Herrera, the Argentinian on loan from River Plate, sealed the game with a second goal 20 minutes away for the final whistle, marking his first strike for the Crew.
Toronto's predicament grows increasingly concerning. With key players limited, time is not on their side as the season approaches its final five matches and they haven't secured their spot in playoffs. In contrast, Columbus Crew is comfortably positioned in the standings but remains hungry for improvement and further exploration of their potential.
Looking ahead, Toronto will travel to face Colorado Rapids, while Columbus will return home to host Orlando City. These upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams in the final stretch of the season. The question remains: Can Toronto find a way to turn their situation around and fulfill their playoff dreams, or will they continue to suffer from sleepless nights?
