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Toronto FC chasing critical points against visiting Crew
Toronto FC is gearing up for a pivotal match in their quest to reach the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2020. They host the formidable Columbus Crew on Wednesday, looking to continue their upward momentum following a crucial 2-1 win over Austin FC.
For Toronto FC (11-15-3, 36 points), the stakes are high as they fight to maintain their place in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Columbus Crew (14-5-8, 50 points), meanwhile, have loftier ambitions, as they push to overtake FC Cincinnati for second place and fine-tune their playoff form.
Toronto’s Playoff Push: A Tight Race in the East
Toronto currently sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, which would put them in a play-in game against D.C. United for the final playoff spot. With four games remaining in the regular season, every point counts. Toronto is just two points behind Charlotte FC and four points back of both Orlando City SC and New York City FC, meaning a win on Wednesday could have a significant impact on their standing.
Despite a challenging season, Toronto’s recent form is cause for optimism. With four wins in their last six matches, they have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive. Toronto’s head coach, John Herdman, is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’ve got to embrace the challenge. It’s an exciting opportunity to have Columbus at home. Not many people give you much chance against that team, the quality they have,” Herdman said ahead of the match.
While Toronto has found form at a critical time, they will be missing a key defensive piece in Shane O’Neill, who will be unavailable due to a yellow-card accumulation suspension. This could leave Toronto vulnerable at the back against a dynamic Columbus attack.
Columbus Crew: Eyeing Higher Playoff Seeding
The Columbus Crew enter the match sitting third in the Eastern Conference, with 50 points from 27 games. They are well-positioned for the postseason, but with their eyes on overtaking second-place FC Cincinnati, Columbus still has much to play for.
Though their chances of winning the Supporters’ Shield seem slim with a 12-point gap behind Inter Miami, the Crew remain focused on climbing the standings. With just two points separating them from Cincinnati—and one fewer match played—they could still secure the second seed and a favorable path through the playoffs.
That’s why the Crew’s 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati last weekend was seen as a missed opportunity. Despite a hard-fought defensive battle, failing to collect all three points was a disappointment for a team pushing for more.
Key Tactical Considerations
One of the defining factors of this match will be how Toronto adjusts to the absence of defender Shane O’Neill. His suspension leaves a hole in Toronto’s backline, which Columbus will likely look to exploit. The Crew’s attack, featuring the likes of Cucho Hernández and Lucas Zelarayán, is one of the most potent in MLS, having already scored 52 goals this season, and they’ll aim to add to that tally against a potentially weakened Toronto defense.
For Toronto, capitalizing on home advantage is crucial. They have a solid home record and have shown they can compete with top-tier teams when on form. Jonathan Osorio and Federico Bernardeschi will need to step up, both defensively and offensively, if Toronto hopes to contain Columbus and snatch a victory.
What’s at Stake?
This match is critical for both teams, though for different reasons. Toronto FC is fighting for survival, needing every point to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their recent run of good form suggests they have the capability to pull off an upset, but the absence of key defensive players could make this task more difficult.
For the Columbus Crew, the focus is on building momentum and locking down a higher playoff seed. A win could see them leapfrog FC Cincinnati into second place, setting them up with a more advantageous playoff path.
As the MLS regular season winds down, this midweek clash promises to be a fierce battle. With Toronto’s playoff hopes on the line and Columbus pushing for second place, both sides will be highly motivated, making for a thrilling matchup.
Conclusion
Wednesday’s match between Toronto FC and the Columbus Crew will play a pivotal role in shaping the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. Toronto, aiming to continue their late-season push, needs every point to keep pace with the playoff race, while Columbus seeks to move up the table and secure a higher seeding for the postseason. Toronto’s weakened defense and Columbus’ attacking firepower make this a fascinating matchup, with both sides having much at stake.
