Pozuelo returns, but TFC comes up short in loss vs. Crew

Not even the return of Alejandro Pozuelo could put an end to TFC’s downward trend, as they stumbled to a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Pozuelo returns, but TFC comes up short in loss vs. Crew
  • Columbus Crew 2 (Diaz 12’, Zardes 21’), Toronto FC 1 (Akinola 52’)
  • Altidore and Soteldo not in 20-man roster for Toronto
  • Pozuelo came off bench in 2nd half to make season debut

Without any of its three Designated Players in the starting 11, Toronto FC’s losing ways continued on Saturday afternoon.

Not even a second-half cameo by Alejandro Pozuelo could put an end to TFC’s downward trend, as they stumbled to a 2-1 road loss to the Columbus Crew, a defeat that extended their winless streak to three games. Ayo Akinola scored his first goal of the MLS season for Toronto, who has just one win and five points (with four losses and two draws). It's the Reds' worst start to an MLS campaign since 2018 when they took seven points from their first seven contests.

Results on the pitch are only part of the problem, as there are issues behind the scenes. Notably, forward Jozy Altidore didn’t travel to Ohio for this game. ESPN.com reported earlier this week that Altidore was told to train on his own this week following a confrontation with coach Chris Armas after being substituted in the 70th minute of last week’s 1-0 loss to Orlando City. The club has told local reporters that it is an “internal matter” with which they are dealing.