It was one header after another, one shot after another and Kei Kamara was watching the Houston movie all over again. Last week they out shot and out played the Dynamo. Tonight, at half time they generated 13 attempts on goal and Toronto got only 7 and the numbers on the score board were the same: 0. Then Justin Morrow got a red card, Justin Meram brought some magic, a goal and Kamara sealed the deal for a 2-0 in their first game at the Mapfre Stadium.
Every game has a turning point. Tonight the red card changed Toronto’s fate completely. It took from Giovinco his freedom to generate offensive opportunities in the final third. He had to step back , defend and let Altidore to be the lone forward. And when the Italian maestro ran with the ball in counter attacks he was surrounded by three and sometimes four rivals.
For Gregg Berhalter, Columbus SC Head Coach, the red card had a different impact on his team:
“In a way made us a little bit complacent to start the second half. It certainly had an effect on the game. But I thought he second half was strong. I thought we had enough chances, we created a lot and we had some good movements, I’m pleased with that. The second half was a little bit tougher, to be honest , to move the ball quick enough, but once we did we were fine.”
Putting differences aside, Columbus showed up how important their aerial game is going to be this season. Last year they didn’t have that power at front. With the addition of Kamara (6’3”, 185 lbs) their offensive chances are increasing but it is a work in progress still. Toronto was the first MLS team they scored against.
The Crew SC entered this game with what, on paper, could be a disadvantage due to the phisycallity of its rival. The MLS disciplinary committee suspended Tony Tchani for his challenge against Leonel Miranda. His replacement, Mohammed Saeid is not a force of nature (5’7”, 141lbs) but he was outstanding on the midfield. He imposed himself in a different way, with superb ball skills, positioning and a high soccer IQ.
The lights are always on Higuaín. He is the play maker in Columbus, but the man of the night was Justin Meram. He returned from a game suspension and showed how mature he is as a player, he no longer disappears from games and steps up when the team needs him the most.
Toronto went down tonight, but if it wasn’t for the red card they would’ve won this game, they had their opportunities but then they had to adjust to play with 10 on the field. Some times it’s an advantage, not this time.
