Keen for their first win in the 2023 MLS season, Toronto FC took the field in their home opener against the Columbus Crew this weekend. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, doubling TFC’s points thus far. With two draws and one loss in their first three games of the season, the Reds are in 11th place of the Eastern Conference.
Columbus began the match on the front foot, after winning multiple corners within the first 20 minutes to give them a number of chances on goal. Despite a few shots on goal, Toronto FC was able to weather the storm and ended up opening the scoring in the 24th minute through a goal from Deandre Kerr. Kerr received a pass from Jonathan Osorio and was able to get past defender Miloš Degenekto and bag a left footer that beat Crew keeper Eloy Room on his near post.
The rest of the first half was scoreless, as TFC took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Early in the second half Columus had a few more close calls but were unable to get one past Sean Johnson. Defender Steven Moreira had a couple cracks on the goal and Aidan Morris had a sliding effort go just wide of the post.
It wasn’t until the 75th minute that Columbus was able to break through and tie the game at 1-1, as debutant Jimmy Medranda scored his first goal for his new club. Medranda flicked in a pass through Johnson which was initially called offside but was given a goal after a VAR check.
Next Up for Toronto FC
Toronto FC will be playing Inter Miami next Saturday night at BMO Field. Miami has won two out of their first three games after improving their team greatly this offseason. If TFC is lucky they will have Lorenzo Insigne back in the squad as he works his way back to full fitness.
Betting on Toronto FC in 2023
If you’re thinking of placing bets on TFC this year, make sure you read through our list of the best MLS betting sites in Ontario for all the best online sportsbooks in the region.
