Columbus Crew 2 extended its winning streak to four after coming back from behind to defeat Toronto FC II 2-1 at Historic Crew Stadium Sunday afternoon.
The host team took initiative and created the most opportunities in the first half of the Eastern Conference affair, however, most of them were wasted or denied by TFC II goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh. A surprise came in the 20th minute by the visiting team, with midfielder Hugo Mbongue scoring his third goal of the campaign to give his team the lead. The 17-year-old was assisted by Alec Diaz. Only five minutes later, Crew 2’s Jacen Russell-Rowe leveled the game when a clearance from Ranjitsingh found him in stride. Russell-Rowe made no mistake with the golden opportunity and he slotted it in with his left foot for his third goal of the season.
A few seconds after the second-half whistle, the hosts took the lead for the first time in the game with a goal by Coleman Gannon, who scored his first goal in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Gannon, who was selected as Player of the Match, was assisted by Jay Tee.
TFC II desperately looked to equalize with attempts by Reshaun Walkes, Steffen Yeates, and Nakye Greenidge-Duncan, who couldn’t find the goal. the second half was more disputed, Gianni Cimini’s team turned more aggressive, but was not successful in finding the equalizer in front of Crew 2’s defense.
Laurent Courtois’s men stay atop the Eastern Conference standings with 12 points and will visit Revs II Sunday, May 8th at Gillette Stadium. TFC II will host Cincinnati FC II Saturday, April 30th at BMO Field.
The Story: Follow the Eastern Conference leaders
Colombus Crew 2 continues leading the Eastern Conference division with 12 points, four consecutive victories, and only one loss in five games which extends an impressive run of form.
The team managed by Courtois remains unbeaten at home after defeating Orlando City B 2-0 in Week 4, and Toronto FC II 2-1 in Week 5. The latter matchup became the first time a goal was conceded by Crew 2, following three consecutive clean sheets.
Columbus Crew 2 also has the best defense in the conference, so far, with only three goals allowed, and is the second-best team in the overall standings, coming in right behind Houston Dynamo 2 who stand at five consecutive victories.
Crew 2's hot start proves to be a story in the making, and all the makings of a team to follow closely in MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural 2022 season.
