Columbus Crew 2 were back in action against Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro, back at their history written Historic Crew Stadium. Riding on a three-game win streak, the Crew looked to continue their winning ways and halt a high pressing Toronto team to keep ahold of their top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Crew started the game well, generating chances after being able to break down the Toronto FC midfield and backline. A 13th minute opportunity saw Jacen Russell-Rowe attempt to get a shot off, but his opportunity found its way to Greg Ranjitsingh.
Toronto FC break the ice
In the 20th minute, winger Alex Diaz found Hugo Mbongue sitting just outside the 6-yard box, to put the ball past Crew keeper Brady Scott to open the games scoring.
Mbongue scores off of the cut back and gives @TorontoFCII the lead! pic.twitter.com/pteC5H9n5K
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 24, 2022
Ranjitsingh would perform multiple stops, keeping Columbus at ease and keeping the 1-0 scoreline intact.
Jacen Russell-Rowe strikes again
The Toronto FC lead would only last five minutes. Ranjitsingh would stop a Angking shot, that then fell towards Russell-Rowe who brought Columbus level with his shot that found the back of the net to make the game 1-1.
Russell-Rowe answers back for @ColumbusCrew2! 1-1? pic.twitter.com/zsZc1IwXeM
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 24, 2022
With Columbus and Toronto level, both teams would head into the break looking for the all-important go-ahead goal.
Coleman Gannon fires quick
Not even a full minute out of halftime, the Crew found the aforementioned go-ahead goal behind Coleman Gannon. Jay Tee Kamara found Gannon charging towards the Toronto penalty area, and Gannon connected with the ball to slot it home, making the score 2-1.
2-1! @ColumbusCrew2 score a beautiful goal within a minute into the second half? pic.twitter.com/DmZ9DSj3oN
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 24, 2022
Toronto FC would find the back of the net in the 61st minute, but the goal would be waved off due to an offside offense, taking the pressure off of Columbus.
Columbus now settled, allowed Toronto FC II to have a majority of possession of the ball, absorbing the pressure that head coach Laurent Courtois talked about earlier in the week.
The goal by Gannon would prove to be the game winner, giving Columbus Crew 2 their fourth consecutive win and reclaiming the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
What’s next?
The Black & Gold return to action May 8th as they travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts to take on New England Revolution 2.
