March 29, 2008 MLS Columbus Crew vs Toronto FC (from MLSnet.com)
03/29/2008 9:23PM
TFC can't capture "Trillium Cup"
Club can't find back of the net in 2-0 loss to Columbus
By Ryan Bergeman / MLSnet.com Staff
COLUMBUS -- Despite having nearly 2,500 strong supporting the club at Crew Stadium, Toronto FC opened the 2008 Major League Soccer season with a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon in the inaugural match for the "Trillium Cup". Adam Moffat scored in the first half for the Crew, then Alejandro Moreno finished off the game with the second goal 14 minutes from the end.
The TFC fanatics showed up early to pack the south end of Crew Stadium, sending red and white streamers onto the field and filling the sky with Canadian flags and TFC banners.
Yet despite the enthusiasm of the hoard that was the TFC cheering section, Toronto had trouble controlling the ball early. Most of the first half was spent on defense as the Crew were able to push forward and maintain possession in the Toronto end.
TFC could not take advantage of a couple of early scoring opportunities. TFC captain Jim Brennan sent a cross in from the left which found its way over the head of 6-foot-4 defender Chad Marshall and dropped to the feet of forward Collin Samuel. However the ball was smothered by Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer before Samuel could get a shot on net.
Midfielder Tyler Hemming sent a great cross through the box in the 12th minute, but forward Jeff Cunningham, a one-time member of the Crew, failed to find the net as he sent a half volley from 10 yards in front of goal soaring over the crossbar.
The Crew had a great opportunity in the 20th minute when midfielder Robbie Rogers found himself alone with the ball at his feet and only TFC goalkeeper Brian Edwards standing between him and the goal. Edwards would win the battle, batting away a rising, hard shot by Rogers.
Despite Edwards' best efforts, the Crew struck first in the 26th minute. Brian Carroll lofted the ball out of midfield for Moffat to run onto, and he let fly with a low, bouncing shot from outside the box that skipped inside the left-hand post.
The Crew continued to keep a firm hold on the possession battle. They were able to move up and plant their backline in the center circle and control the ball in the Toronto half.
Edwards, on the other hand, was forced to stay busy by a continuous Crew attack. He had to make another dazzling save on a third shot blasted by Rogers.
But TFC saw a glorious chance wasted just before the half. Crew central defender Danny O'Rourke committed a foul, knocking over Cunningham in the box, and referee Baldomero Toledo whistled for a penalty kick. Samuel stepped up to take the kick, but his low shot toward the right post was turned aside by Hesmer. The rebound attempt was also foiled by Moffat, who sent the ball over the goal and onto the newly constructed stage at the north end of the stadium.
TFC head coach John Carver's halftime words sparked a relatively quiet Reds attack. TFC came out on the attack, putting a corner kick on goal by Todd Dunivant in the 46th minute, followed by another rip by last year's MLS Rookie of the Year, Maurice Edu, which came just inches from striking the right post.
Edu had a chance at a corner himself in the 52nd minute which resulted in a shot on goal by Brennan, but again, Hesmer was there to make the save.
In the 65th minute, Carver decided to change the formation and give his side a different look. Forward Danny Dichio, a usual starter for TFC, and midfielder Kevin Harmse were substituted in for Hemming and Dunivant, changing to a 4-3-3 formation.
But it was the Crew who were next to strike, thanks to the combination of Eddie Gaven, who recently returned from time spent with the U-23 national team, and Moreno, last year's goal leader for the Crew. Gaven snuck a ball behind the TFC defense which was controlled by Moreno, and he coolly placed it past Edwards from inside the area.
Ryan Bergeman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
Toronto FC (0-1-0) vs. Columbus Crew (1-0-0) March 29, 2008 -- Columbus Crew Stadium Scoring Summary: CLB -- Adam Moffat 1 (Brian Carroll 1) 26 CLB -- Alejandro Moreno 1 (Eddie Gaven 1) 76 Toronto FC -- Brian Edwards, Marvell Wynne, Tyrone Marshall, Marco Velez, Jim Brennan, Carl Robinson, Maurice Edu, Tyler Hemming (Kevin Harmse 65), Todd Dunivant (Danny Dichio 65), Collin Samuel, Jeff Cunningham. Substitutes Not Used: Andrew Boyens, Andrea Lombardo, Pat Phelan, Jarrod Smith, Greg Sutton Columbus Crew -- Will Hesmer, Frankie Hejduk, Chad Marshall, Danny O'Rourke, Stefani Miglioranzi, Robbie Rogers (Brad Evans 80), Brian Carroll, Adam Moffat, Eddie Gaven, Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Andy Iro 89), Alejandro Moreno. Substitutes Not Used: Jason Garey, Leonard Griffin, Andy Gruenebaum, Ezra Hendrickson, Duncan Oughton Columbus Crew Toronto FC total shots: 13 (Robbie Rogers 5) 13 (Jim Brennan 4) shots on goal: 7 (Robbie Rogers 4) 3 (3 tied with 1) fouls: 11 (Robbie Rogers 3) 12 (Maurice Edu 2, Marco Velez 2) offsides: 3 (3 tied with 1) 1 (Todd Dunivant 1) corner kicks: 3 (Guillermo Barros Schelotto 3) 7 (Todd Dunivant 5) saves: 3 (Will Hesmer 3) 5 (Brian Edwards 5) Misconduct Summary: CLB -- Frankie Hejduk (caution; Professional Foul) 10 TOR -- Maurice Edu (caution; Professional Foul) 55 referee: Baldomero Toledo Referee's Assistants: Anthony Vasoli; Nate Clement 4th official: Jorge Gonzalez time of game: 1:51 attendance: 13,843 weather: Partly Cloudy -and- 46 degrees All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial
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