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Toronto FC takes down Columbus SC 2-0 for Trillium Cup 2021

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 12, 2021, Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore #17 celebrate with teammates after scoring during the second half at Exploria Stadium in Orlando Florida, USA (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

ORLANDO – It’s still a little strange seeing the Reds battle it out with the Crew in front of purple seats, but we’re all adjusting to a world that’s “different”.

It was a joyous night in Orlando as Toronto FC (1-2-1) defeated Columbus SC (1-1-2) 2-0 at Exploria Stadium.

The Reds got the scoring going early when Michael Bradley managed to get his foot on a ball coming off of ricochets inside the box and blasted it into the back of the net from outside of the area in the 13th minute.

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 12, 2021, Toronto FC Midfielder Michael Bradley #4 celebrate after scoring in the first half at Exploria Stadium in Orlando Florida, USA (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

In the 16th minute, Gyasi Zardes of Columbus came close to equalizing the with a right footed shot from the center of the box is saved in the center of the goal. Assisted by Lucas Zelarayán.

In the 31st minute, a Luis Diaz shot forced TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono to go airborne on his save, the Crew couldn’t equalize before the end of the half.

Stats at the half ver pretty even, with both sides close to even on shots, shots on goal, passing accuracy pretty even. No cards issued in the first half, but things got chippy in the second half.

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 12, 2021, Toronto FC Defender Chris Mavinga #23 wins the header during the match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando Florida, USA (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

In the 58th minute, Diaz slipped a ball through, skipping a ball across the goalmouth and teammate Jonathan Mensah for no result.

Jozy Altidore was substituted in for Toronto, while Columbus brought in  Bradley Wright-Phillips, adding firepower to both sides.

In the 75th minute, the switch seemed to pay off when Altidore kicked a new perfect shot in the center that hit the crossbar, almost giving the Red insurance.

Later in the 87th minute, A Bradley free kick, Gonzalez headed the ball towards goal, and Altidore got on the end of it to head it in on the line, sealing the first win of 2021 for the Canadian side.

As for cards issued, Toronto was issued 3 yellow cards, and Columbus drew two, but all were in the second half.

Toronto next heads to New York to face NYCFC on May 15th at 1pm. Columbus will be at the New England Revolutions on May 16th at pm.

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