Toronto FC earns first road points. 2-2 vs. Columbus

Recap:
Toronto FC:
Dichio (27)
Brennan (49)

Columbus:
Herron (2, 36)

Summary:
A tenacious effort from Toronto FC saw them coming from behind on two occasions and battling the Columbus Crew to a 2-2 draw.

Jeff Cunningham was just short of brilliant, creating several glorious opportunities, but was unlucky to not convert them. Columbus was able to expose a depleted Toronto lineup and managed to control much of the play in the Toronto end. The absence of Carl Robinson and Andrew Boyens saw Ronnie O'Brien in the middle, Andy Welsh playing his off-wing, and Marco Reda and Chris Pozniak seeing time in the starting 11. The end result was confusion at midfield and ineffective defending which allowed several easy chances for the Columbus side. Strong efforts by Dichio and Cunningham were enough to make up for the lackluster performance behind them, and by the end of the match it seemed an unfortunate result for TFC to not come away with 3 points.

Total TFC MoM: Jeff Cunningham

Match Preview: Toronto FC @ Columbus Crew

For the first time in nearly a month, Toronto FC take to the road to challenge the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium.

Jeff Cunningham looks to make his debut for TFC, and it will definitely be a new look lineup from Mo Johnston as Welsh national Carl Robinson and Kiwi Andrew Boyens will be unavailable due to international duty.

The Columbus side is coming off an embarrassing 4-0 loss to New York, and will look to improve in front of their home fans.

CNNSI's Ryan Hunt predicts a 1-0 win for the home side.

I am confident that Cunningham's presence will provide TFC with enough of an offensive spark to make up for the absence of two key players. A trademark strong showing from Greg Sutton will be needed, but I have TFC up 3-2.

Cunningham to suit up Saturday @ Columbus

Toronto FC 's newest player, forward Jeff Cunningham, watched last nights friendly vs. Benfica from the sidelines, with Mo Johnston not taking any chances to alow Cunny to rest a "slight knock".

"I'll be ready to face Columbus on Saturday," Cunningham advised.

As for his first taste of the Thunder by the Lake that is BMO Field he mentioned, "I just looked over to one of the boys and said: 'This is the atmosphere the game was meant to be played in,' "

Sounds to me like he is excited to be playing here! Pat on the back to all TFC supporters!

TFC v. Benfica 0-0 Draw

For a 0-0 draw, it was a pretty exciting match, with great chances for both sides. The talent level of even a "B" squad from Benfica really showed who on our roster can keep up with the big boys in Europe and I would have to say Marvell Wynn impressed me the most in this respect. He was, in my opinion, spectacular in how he handled himself on both sides of the pitch. I was hoping for more from O'brien and Lombardo, and was again very disappointed with the performance from Edson Buddle.

In all, based on this performance, our boys in red seem to be working out some of the defensive kinks that plagued them earlier in the season. The addition of Jeff Cunningham should be able to give the offense the ball-handling spark it needs, and I am very optimistic for the next match against Columbus!

Podcast: Episode 1

The first ever TFC Podcast!

We discuss the Esky trade, recap the May 19th match vs. DC United, and talk about the emergence of BMO Field as a frightening place for visiting teams!

Click here to download Episode 1!

TOTAL TFC XML Feed

ESKY TRADED!

Breaking news as we are preparing our first ever podcast. Popular striker Alecko Eskandarian has been traded to Real Salt Lake along with a first round 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick in exchange for forward Jeff Cunningham.

I'm pretty torn about this. I was a big fan of Esky in his short time here in Toronto, he was one guy we could count on to give 120% on the pitch for us, and seemed to really want to help build the team. Right now I am shocked and frankly a little disappointed.

Now, we are getting in return the 4th leading scorer in MLS history, and a finalist for MLS MVP in 2006. This certainly makes us a better team, and I look forward to seeing Cunningham don our glorious red.

That said, I'm still a little sad about Esky leaving. He was just a very likable character.

Best of luck in Utah Esky, I for one will cheer for you when you return.

TOTAL TFC IS HERE!

After an up and down first month, the TFC will soon have its first (as far as I know) podcast!

On the slate for Podcast #1:
Post-game comments from the May 19th match vs. DC
Our thoughts on TFCs first 3 home games
and more!