Crew seek offensive spark, elusive first win vs. Toronto FC

The Columbus Crew will be on the hunt for their first win of the season and their first goal of the month when they visit Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon.

Columbus (0-2-2, 2 points) was blanked in two earlier March matchups after opening the season with four goals in two games under new manager Henrik Rydstrom.

The Black and Gold seemed well on their way to a second consecutive scoreless draw before Nashville SC turned the tide with a series of super subs late in last Saturday's fixture. Nashville's Hany Mukhtar scored a dramatic match-winner four minutes into added time.

Rydstrom continued to experiment with a back four formation anchored by Rudy Camacho and Steven Moreira in the middle. The tactical setup marks a change from previous manager Wilfried Nancy, who employed a back three during his three years in charge.

"You sound like a fool in some ways (when you lose), like you're a fool trying to defend something. But I see the steps," Rydstrom said. "I see a lot of good things in the way we play."

That back four will be tasked with containing Josh Sargent, who may get his first league start for Toronto (1-2-1, 4 points).

The USMNT striker, who arrived this winter on an MLS-record transfer fee for an American, first saw action with his new club last Saturday. He subbed in during the 70th minute against the New York Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls' Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting spoiled Toronto's home opener by scoring off a corner in the dying seconds to secure a 1-1 draw.

"It's very disappointing and disappointing on a couple of fronts. This didn't feel like we were as energetic as we needed to be from the very beginning," Toronto coach Robin Fraser said.

It will be the second match in Toronto's nine-game homestand. Toronto has not beaten Columbus in the club's last nine clashes dating to May 2021.

--Field Level Media