Rivalry week has come in only the second week of MLS play. The game features two rivals of bad blood. There will be fouls, there will be cards and there will be drama aplenty when Columbus Crew SC get their home opener under way against Canadian rivals, Toronto FC on Saturday. This will be the first of three during the regular season, and begins their Trillium Cup Series.
Columbus Crew SC has gotten off to a start they did not want to see, losing 1-0 against the Houston Dynamo last week at BBVA Compass Stadium. This week, they look to shift their mentality to the winning side and seek revenge on the team that swept them all last season. Everything was there; they were just outdone, and easily tired. As the Trillium Cup shifted its way up north of the border, Columbus Crew SC is quick to get it back this season. The only way to do that: Play smart, be smart. By playing smart, Columbus Crew SC can maneuver their way around the Toronto defense and create chances. And by being smart, they know when to attack the opposing forward, and how to do it.
Toronto FC is making noise early this season. After defeating their Canadian "friends" the Vancouver Whitecaps, it is easy to see that Toronto could actually make a push for the playoffs this year. With two goals coming from front man Jozy Altidore, Toronto can rely on him to finish, and finish in style. Additionally, new club captain Michael Bradley was a solid holding midfield player that game. Look for him to do the same against Columbus.
Last year, Toronto FC won back the Trillium Cup for just the second time by winning on an aggregate score of 8:4. The last time Toronto won the cup was 2011 after a late goal near stoppage time. Columbus Crew SC desperately needs this win in order to keep from losing to Toronto in their last four meetings.
Projected Lineups: Columbus Crew SC (4-2-3-1)
Clark;
Grana--Parkhurst(c)--Pogatetz--Francis
Trapp--Schoenfeld
Finlay--Jimenez--Speas
Kamara
Projected Lineup: Toronto FC (4-3-1-2)
Bendik;
Creavalle--Caldwell--Perquis--Morrow
Osorio--Bradley(c)--Cheyrou
Moore
Altidore--Warner
Location: Mapfre Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Referee: Dave Gantar
Columbus Crew SC will be without central defending midfielder Tony Tchani due to suspension for Endangering The Safety of an Opponent
Prediction: Although Columbus will want to win, and Toronto will want to keep winning, the game will be played out to a 2-1 win for Columbus Crew SC