The Columbus Crew took their talents north of the border to take on Toronto FC for the second time this season. In doing so, the Crew showed off Jacen Russell-Rowe, the former Crew 2 leading scorer and MLS Next Pro Golden Boot leader. In the previous outing, the Black & Gold prevailed from a 1-0 deficit to win the first leg of the Trillium Cup series 2-1.
Things started off on the right foot for the Crew, with Pedro Santos getting his foot on a shot just outside of the 18-yard box, but it was deflected out for a corner kick.
Russell-Rowe almost got his name on the scoresheet minutes later after his shot from just inside the penalty box. His second attempt at goal was deflected out for a corner kick.
Columbus eventually got on the board in the 18th minute when Sean Zawadzki lasered a shot into the back of the net off a short pass from Jacen Russell-Rowe.
FROM DISTANCE! ?
Zawadzki opens the scoring for @ColumbusCrew! pic.twitter.com/j0f3QTb2Ew
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 29, 2022
About 12 minutes later, Russell-Rowe was able to find Darlington Nagbe who doubled the Crew lead to 2-0 in the 30th minute.
Oh, we cookin’ now ??#Crew96 | 0-2 pic.twitter.com/4fCO3rk1gf
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) June 30, 2022
Columbus held on to the lead, needing a solid second 45 to ensure their grasp on the Trillium cup.
Toronto pull one back
The Reds found themselves down, but not out.
In the 56th minute, the pressure intensified for Toronto as they were able to grab a goal back, making the game 2-1.
Toronto FC continued their pressure, pinning the Crew into their own defensive third.
Columbus stood tall against the heavy press by Bob Bradley and company, claiming all three points with a 2-1 win, and claiming the Trillium Cup.
Next up, Columbus take on the Philadelphia Union at home July 3 at 7:30pm. Fans are encouraged to stick around for post-match fireworks and concert.
