The game in 100 words (or less): Without two of its stars, Toronto FC set out to play compact and hold on for a draw on the road, and that’s exactly what they did. Michael Bradley recorded 17 recoveries and a trio of interceptions as TFC broke up play and covered the passing lanes, frustrating the Columbus Crew all night. The best chance fell to Harrison Afful late, but TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono made a crucial save to keep it at 0-0.
Three moments that mattered
0' — The starting lineup — In a game with chances few and far between, the tactical set-up by Greg Vanney - in which his side without Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore came out in a 4-1-4-1 formation - proved to be the difference in the game, frustrating the Crew all night.
Here’s tonight’s @BMO starting XI vs. @ColumbusCrewSC #TFCLive | #CLBvTOR pic.twitter.com/cRz7sf6XYb
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) November 22, 2017
52' — Pedro Santos penalty kick no-call — Justin Meram plays a neat pass through the TFC backline that Santos runs on to, and he appears to be taken down in the box by Bono. Referee Robert Sbiga doesn’t blow the whistle and lets play continue, where Ola Kamara takes a shot that’s deflected away. Santos appeals for video review, and receives a yellow card for his efforts.
Pedro Santos gets a yellow for wanting this play to be reviewed. What do y'all think? #CrewSC #TFCLive #MLSCupPlayoffs #CLBvTOR pic.twitter.com/t1lLMHE7YY
— GolazoJuice (@GolazoJuice) November 22, 2017
Artur with a long distance shot! #CrewSC #TFCLive #MLSCupPlayoffs #CLBvTOR pic.twitter.com/fMGgWGISAm
— GolazoJuice (@GolazoJuice) November 22, 2017
85' — Big Save Bono — Gregg Berhalter’s 77th minute substitution to bring on Kekutah Manneh helped to push Afful higher up the field, which led to this late-game chance. Bono, who hadn’t had a whole lot to do, came up with a massive stop to keep the tie level.
Alex Bono averaging a game saving stop per game during these playoffs. Their MVP so far no doubt. pic.twitter.com/RaLoMeu3EL
— Mitchell Tierney (@mitchelltierney) November 22, 2017
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Man of the Match: Alex Bono, Toronto FC