Columbus SC (1-0-2, 5 pts.) takes its eight-match unbeaten streak dating back to last year's playoffs back down south for a Wednesday night kickoff against Toronto FC (0-2-1, 1 pt.), who continues to play from its temporary home, Exploria Stadium, in Orlando, Florida.
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Recent history has favored the Reds, though, who have lost just one of their last nine matches against Columbus (5-0-3, including the 2017 playoffs). Toronto has recorded back-to-back wins over the Crew and could make it three straight victories over Columbus for the second time in club history (3 straight in 2014-2015).
The Crew is coming off a 3-1 home win against D.C. United, while Toronto has recorded just one point through three matches, the worst start for the club since 2012 when the Reds lost their first nine matches, an MLS record. Toronto also lost its first four matches of its inaugural 2007 season.
Bradley Wright-Phillips, who started in Columbus' 3-1 win last Saturday, has scored 10 times against Toronto in his MLS career. Only Chris Wondolowski and Federico Higuain (11 each) have scored more against the Reds (regular season and playoffs).
Meanwhile, TFC's Canadian contingent has stepped up as of late in terms of scoring, with Richie Laryea and Jonathan Osorio scoring two of the Reds' three goals in 2021. Previously, just one of the club's last 19 goals was scored by Canadians dating back to last season.
Kickoff from Orlando is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Bally Sports Ohio and 97.1 FM The Fan.
