The game in 100 words (or less): Red cards change games. Right or wrong, they just do. This game had one that was very wrongly given and it completely changed the course of the game, from Toronto FC threatening early, to Columbus Crew SC taking complete control shortly after.
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Three moments that mattered
45' — Morrow takes down Finlay, sees red — It was a questionable decision by referee David Gantar at best — Morrow looked to have gotten all ball and little or none of Ethan Finlay (below video) — but Gantar gave the foul just outside the box and sent Morrow to an early shower.
57' — Meram with the breakthrough — Finlay played the perfect cross for Justin Meram, whose late, surging run to the penalty spot meant the subsequent header had plenty of power behind it. The ball nestled itself just inside Joe Bendik’s near post and the Crew were up 1-0.
61' — Kamara doubles the lead — Kei Kamara could have easily scored three times last week, if not for Tyler Deric. This week, he got his first of the season, as Waylon Francis crossed a beautiful ball for Kamara, who beat an onrushing Bendik to the ball and delicately side-footed his first-time shot past the ‘keeper.
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Man of the match: David Gantar — It’s harsh on the ref, because he’s obviously got a tough job, but his poor decision to send Morrow off completely changed the game and robbed TFC of any chance to chase the game in the second half.
LINEUPS
Columbus Crew SC: Clark, Grana (Steindorsson 83'), Parkhurst, Pogatetz, Francis, Finlay (Jimenez 69'), Trapp, Saeid (George 76'), Higuain, Meram, Kamara
Goals: Meram (57'), Kamara (61')
Toronto FC: Bendik, Creavalle, Caldwell (Hagglund 46'), Perquis, Morrow, Osorio (Morgan 46'), Bradley, Cheyrou, Giovinco (Warner 86'), Altidore, Findley
