



The first game of this season's Trillium Cup was kind of meh with some flashes of colour. Columbus Crew SC came to BMO weakened but largely controlled the game and Toronto FC kept them out of the net with a combo of strong defending, goalkeeping and a post. On the attacking end, Sebastian Giovinco couldn't catch a break and Mo Babouli made a statement. Here's a breakdown. Still waiting for Fortress BMO. Open Player in a New Window | Subscribe | iTunes | MP3 The Opening 45



Despite a midfield heavy formation, Toronto found themselves without the ball for much of the first half with Columbus dominating possession. Glitches from everyone ranging from Michael Bradley to Steven Beitashour to Justin Morrow (who has seemed off all week) all aided Columbus' attack. At times, it felt like Ola Kamara or Federico Higuaín could have scored at any moment but Toronto's defense was generally up to the task of keeping them from capitalizing. Toronto's biggest issues came when they were on the attack with just over half of their passes in the attacking end being successful. It didn't help that Toronto's goal machine Giovinco found himself often covered by two defenders and playing what he himself would label as one of the worst performances of his career in a Toronto uniform and that Jay Chapman seemed uncomfortable. As has been the case in many games this season, control of the half seemed to shift towards Toronto after 30 minutes.



Toronto's best chances came from rookie Mo Babouli. An early rush he started was only killed by an offside call against Beitashour and later Steve Clark just beat Babouli to the ball on a corner kick. While none resulted in an actual shot, they were as close as Toronto got. Kamara also had a pair of chances for Columbus: one went over and the other was saved by Irwin. Sober 2nd thought: not bad, but not good. A piece is obviously missing. Mid center? #TFCLive #TFC — Dr. Retro (@drretro) May 22, 2016 5 out of 12 points at home? #WTFTFC #TFC — Alberto Olvera (@alberto_yyz) May 22, 2016

The Second Half



Greg Vanney seemed determined to end Toronto 4-game home run with a win as he subbed in Jonathan Osorio (in his 100th game for Toronto), Tsubasa Enduh and Daniel Lovitz. While this seemed to improve the offensive performance of the team, Columbus continued to control the game. Early in the half, the ball only stayed out of the Toronto net thanks to the of skillful keeping by Irwin, some miracle defending by Josh Williams and everyone's favorite inanimate carbon rod. Sadly, Williams had to leave the game with an injury, possibly as a result of his defending. Columbus seemed to smell a win on their hands but Toronto was able to keep them at bay.



Toronto's best chance again was the result of Babouli, who created an excellent chance for Giovinco that somehow was shot wide, much to the frustration of fans and the embarrassment of Giovinco. Later in the game, Giovinco would have another solid chance but again he was unable to land the shot. In the final seconds of the game, Giovinco seemed to be going for one last shot but went down in the box, fans seemed to think he deserved a penalty kick but the call not to give a kick was fair. Unlike the yellow card on Beitashour.



Man of the Match



Mo Babouli



Babouli continues to grow with each game and is developing a chemistry with Giovinco. This was his best game yet. I wouldn't be shocked if he gets a call up from Canada, or even the UAE, very soon. While he isn't goal dangerous yet, he's creating great chances and making himself known. He slightly edges out Clint Irwin for “Man of the Match” because TFC's biggest keeper moments belonged to Josh Williams and a post (IN ROD WE TRUST).