Toronto FC once more stated their name as a dominant force in the MLS as they overcame Columbus Crew to take the Eastern Conference title and a spot in the MLS Cup Final. Huge scenes and all the flair, this is a football place to party.
If there's one thing the Toronto FC fans do well it's create a serious backdrop. BMO Field, the home for Toronto FC was once more flair filled and from the front to the back, visually it strikes of emphatic support for the side that call it their abode. For this game, the second leg of the Eastern Conference Final, it was Columbus Crew who had the daunting task of travelling in as the away side. Carrying a 0-0 aggregate score it was a fixture that would unanimously decide the fate of one of these sides. Cagey and tempestuous, it was about those fine margins and a resilient back line.
Both teams gave a strong account of themselves and unquestionably went toe-to-toe though with the home advantage and backed by roaring fans, it was Toronto FC who walked away with a slender 1-0 win and the bragging rights of a second consecutive season which will see the MLS Cup land on the pitch of their much cherished BMO Field.
While Toronto FC won a penalty 25 minutes into the game, it was heroics from the Columbus shot stopper Zack Steffen that kept the Columbus dream alive. Turning the screw however, up step Jozy Altidore - headlines in waiting - to hit home the match winning goal as the game progressed. A naturally nervy ending though holding strong, this is a game well celebrated by Toronto FC and taking the win over two legs, it's a just deserved Eastern Conference title that tees up a final bout against Seattle Sounders for the MLS Cup.
Huge, heart felt scenes - shirtless spirit in freezing temperatures - 'tis the season for serious celebration.
Photography by Cody McCullough
