Walker Zimmerman Leads Toronto FC to Victory Over Winless Crew

Walker Zimmerman scored in the 83rd minute, leading Toronto FC to a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Zimmerman’s header from a corner kick secured Toronto FC’s (2-2-1, 7 points) first win in their nine-game homestand after Jose Cifuentes equalized earlier in the half. Cifuentes, the 27-year-old Ecuadorian international, had been uncertain to play due to a knee injury the day before.

Columbus striker Wessam Abou Ali opened the scoring in the fourth minute, heading Max Arfsten’s cross into the top corner of the goal. This marked the Crew’s (0-3-2, 2 points) first goal of the month.

In the 56th minute, Daniel Salloi passed the ball through the box to Cifuentes, who scored by shooting past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Salloi, a Hungarian international, has now contributed to three goals this season.

Toronto dominated shot attempts in the first half, with eight to Columbus’ two. Josh Sargent had a chance to equalize soon after Abou Ali’s goal but was just late to reach Raheem Edwards’ cross.

Sargent made his first start for TFC after debuting late in the previous week’s match. He was substituted for Djordje Mihailovic at the start of the second half.

Diego Rossi nearly increased the Crew’s lead but hit the woodwork in the 52nd minute after evading two defenders.

Columbus fans may question head coach Henrik Rydstrom’s decision to shift to a back four, moving captain Sean Zawadzki into the central defense in place of Rudy Camacho.

This victory marked TFC’s first win against the Crew in 11 matchups.