A controversial first half red card led to the dissection of Toronto FC in a 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew SC. Goals from Justin Meram and Kei Kamara helped lift the black and gold to their first win of the 2015 MLS campaign. As predicted, this game had high tension and physical play all wrapped up into one. 

It was clear to see that on the field, Toronto FC dominated possession during the first half. But on paper, Toronto only had 45.5% while Columbus Crew SC held 54.5%. Adding on to that possession was the attack Columbus Crew SC had in the 7th minute. A standing Kei Kamara on the six yard box found the ball from Federico Higuain, turned, and blasted a shot on target. Toronto keeper Joe Bendik was able to save it, not with his hands, but off his face. Score remained 0-0. 

As time went on through the first half, it was Steve Clark who then came up big on Warren Creavalle. Sebastian Giovinco slid into the box and slotted a pass up to the six yard box where Creavalle was awaiting. A quick shot had Steve Clark on high alert and was able to react quickly to keep the score knotted at zero. Ball was then cleared out of danger by Columbus Crew SC captain Michael Parkhurst. 

During the first half, Columbus Crew SC midfielder Justin Meram -- just back from national team duties for Iraq who participated in the Asian Cup -- had several chances with his head. All which seemed to go wide, or just above the bar. During that process, Meram was fouled but Mohammed Saeid took the ball to have an advantage. A ringing shot from about 25 yards out just went over the bar. 

Not much stoppage time was added to the first half. But that quickly changed. While Ethan Finlay was able to get behind the last two defenders and on the break, Justin Morrow took down Finlay from behind just outside the 18 yard box. Controversy erupted as Columbus players say he got the player, and Toronto players say he got the ball first. Unable to make a decision, referee Dave Gantar had to receive help from his assistant. A lengthy conversation lead to Gantar pulling out a red card on Morrow. Frustrated, Toronto FC saw themselves down to 10 men for the remainder of the first half, and all of the second. 

Higuain took the assuming free kick, chipping the wall and aimed it far post where Bendik was nowhere to be found. But the ball went just wide and the first half came to a close. 

A pair of substitutions from Toronto FC saw Nick Hagglund, and Ashtone Morgan come in for Steven Caldwell, and Jonathan Osorio. In the 57th minute, Columbus Crew SC saw their first goal of the season come from Justin Meram. Ethan Finlay played a wonder cross and found Meram who headed it down and past Bendik. Columbus Crew SC took the lead 1-0. 

Just a few minutes later, a cross from left back Waylon Francis found forward Kei Kamara who was able to get a foot on it and sent it through 5 hole on Joe Bendik. Kamara, who is known for his creative celebrations, paid tribute to the old Crew. Kamara grabbed two fans and gave them hard hats and posed as the old logo. Columbus Crew SC led 2-0. 

In the 75th minute, Meram almost had his second of the night as he chipped Joe Bendik, but hit the post. The ball fell to Federico Higuain who also tried a chip, and his attempt hit the post and went out for a goal kick. 

With ten minutes left, Columbus Crew SC defender Hernan Grana had a rocket shot on target that was saved by Bendik. A yellow card was issued to Kevan George of Columbus Crew in the 85th minute for a tackle on Michael Bradley.

Toronto FC made one last push on a free kick from Michael Bradley. A very good cross was whipped into the box and Collen Warner got his head on the ball, but sent it just wide to almost make the score 2-1.

The game ended and Columbus Crew SC were victorious.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter had this to say about the game: "It's a great way to open Mapfre Stadium with a 2-0 win. That's pretty special. From my perspective, we started the second half and there wasn't enough tempo in the game. We needed to push the tempo and make it faster."

And so they did. Columbus Crew held possession the majority of the second half. 

Steve Clark talked about how the red card changed the game. "Obviously it turned the game a bit, but I think we had the better of the play before the game." 

Overall, the red card did happen to frustrate Toronto FC during the duration of the match. 

Columbus Crew SC have this upcoming week off, and so does Toronto FC. Columbus Crew will play New York Red Bulls, and Toronto FC will play Real Salt Lake; both games in two weeks. 

Attendance: 15,826