MLS Preview from The Sports Network
Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012
(All times Eastern)
Toronto FC (5-20-8) at Columbus (14-12-7), 4 p.m.
Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - The Columbus Crew were eliminated from playoff
contention last weekend, but remain focused on ending the season on a positive
note Sunday against Toronto FC.
Sixth in the Eastern Conference of MLS on 49 points, Columbus could finish the
regular season just one point out of a playoff spot with a third win this year
against Toronto.
The Crew (14-12-7) have seven more points than Western Conference playoff team
Vancouver Whitecaps FC, but with no crossover teams this season, will miss out
on the postseason.
The new goal for Columbus is to the end of the year well and sweep the rivalry
against TFC, called the Trillium Cup. The Crew have won the first two meetings
between the teams this season.
"Toronto FC is our rival, it makes the game ... much more important," Columbus
midfielder Eddie Gaven said. "This game definitely means a lot."
Columbus enters the match with a stellar home record of 10-3-3, and will be in
position to add another win against Toronto (5-20-8), which will finish with
the worst record in the league.
The Crew will have to shake the latest of four defeats over their last seven,
3-2, against D.C. United, and focus on TFC at Crew Stadium.
"You always want to finish the season on a positive note. Of course, we didn't
make the playoffs this year, but we want to go into the offseason feeling good
about ourselves," Gaven said.
"To get a win against Toronto would definitely help."
Toronto enters the match on a 13-game winless streak, going just 0-9-4 during
that span. TFC started the season on a nine-match losing streak, but recovered
to go 5-2-4 from late May to mid-July before everything fell apart again.
Just 2-11-3 on the road, Toronto also completed CONCACAF Champions League play
earlier this week with a 1-0 defeat against Santos in Mexico, but hopes to end
MLS play with a better result.
10/26 14:16:13 ET

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