Venue: Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio

Time: 7:30 pm EST

Official: Marcos C. Deoliveira

Columbus Projected Lineup (4-4-2):

Clark;

Francis -- Wahl -- Gonzalez -- Parkhurst

Speas -- Tchani -- Anor --  Finlay

Bedell -- Higuain

Toronto FC Projected Lineup (4-4-2):

Bendik; 

Morrow -- Henry -- Hagglund -- Creavalle

Osorio -- Warner -- Bradley -- Oduro

Moore -- Gilberto

The final leg of the Trillium Cup series between rivals Columbus Crew and Toronto FC is set to be played this Saturday. Toronto FC has already claimed the cup after winning 3-2 in game 2 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. Previously, the Reds beat the Crew 2-0 in Columbus, Ohio. Toronto FC has only won the Trillium Cup twice (2011 and 2014). It's a loss to Crew fans, but the team can only move forward. 

Columbus is coming off of a 1-1 draw against other rival, Chicago Fire. Coming into this match, the Crew look to take the field with fierce and determination. The last time they faced Toronto FC on home soil, was a depressing loss by a score of 2-0. USMNT midielder Michael Bradley getting the scoring started. Columbus Crew had their back against the wall. Now playing for pride, a win is most certainly nescessary for the Black and Gold. Leading goal scorer (8) Federico Higuain will play up top and look to add to his total. 

Toronto FC will come into this match with a previous win under their belts as they defeated Canadian rivals Montreal Impact FC 2-0 in Stade Saputo. Of course, Toronto Fc will be playing force and looking to counter attack quickly. With moving numbers forward at times, it is clear that Toronto will be looking to play balls quickly into the box, and catch the opposition ball looking. To capatilize on those chances will give the Reds a boost, and keep fighting for more as the game moves on. 

Earlier this season, a deal to swap players Dominic Oduro and Alvaro Rey was a go. The deal was a success, but quickly backfired when both sides mutually to let him go. The reason being was personal. Still without a forward, Columbus Crew were definitely on the bad end of the deal. As for Toronto FC, their right winger Dominic Oduro is playing great and getting plenty of time. 

Key players: Columbus will throw numbers forward on every attacking chance. The one player to look out for will be forward Federico Higuain. Dangerous on costless kicks, and servicing great balls in the air when necessary, he is the one to look and follow during this game. Toronto FC will play short, but wide. Michael Bradley will get touches, but don't be shocked if the midfielder will take shots from just outside the box. 

Toronto FC will also be missing their key forward, Jermain Defoe. Ruled out 2-3 weeks with a groin strain, Gilberto is the next man on the job. And doing quite well at it. 

Prediction: Both teams are in decent shape right now, but Columbus Crew will have the upper hand in this match. 

Columbus 2-1 Toronto FC 

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About the author
Tyler Fisher
Contributor to Last Word On Sports. Main editor for USMNT and MLS content on VAVEL USA.