TORONTO --
The first-place Columbus Crew won the inaugural Trillium Cup after a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday at BMO Field. The draw improved he Crew's record against Toronto to 1-0-2 on the season, thus clinching the cup awarded to the winner of the season series between the two clubs. The Crew also improved its all-time record against Toronto to 3-0-3 and the point ensured that they would leave the weekend still in possession of the top spot in the MLS overall standings.
The Crew welcomed Frankie Hejduk and Alejandro Moreno back from international duty, but was missing a key figure in MLS assists leader Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who was scratched with a hamstring strain. Brad Evans was also sidelined, thus opening a spot for Stefani Miglioranzi in the midfield while veteran Pat Noonan made his second start of the season moving up front in Schelotto's place.
Toronto got on the board first in the sixth minute. Amado Guevara lined up for a direct free kick, but instead of shooting, passed to Robinson standing just outside the top of the box. The Welsh midfielder unleashed a booming shot that leaping Crew keeper William Hesmer got a hand to, but redirected off the underside of the crossbar and in.
The Crew had a chance to tie six minutes later on a set piece of their own. Marvell Wynne was called for a foul on Robbie Rogers in the goal area, leading to a penalty shot to be taken by Moreno. But Reds goalkeeper Greg Sutton was able to slide to his left to stop the attempt.
The Crew equalized in highlight-reel fashion in the 40th minute. Noonan carried the ball from the right side to the middle, beating a pair of TFC defenders at the top of the box, and sent a left-footed shot past a jumping Sutton.
NOTES:
• The Crew is now 5-4-3 on the road this season.
• Columbus is 5-1-2 in its last seven games.
• Pat Noonan's goal was his first as a member of the Crew.
• Following the game, the Crew brought the Trillium Cup to the bottom of the section in which a sizable contingent of Crew fans was sitting and held it aloft in appreciation.
• Toronto Mayor David Miller visited the Crew's locker room following the game to congratulate the team and make good on his friendly wager on the Trillium Cup with Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman by donning a Crew jersey and posing for pictures with Crew head coach Sigi Schmid and captain Frankie Hejduk.
• The Crew returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 18, against the New York Red Bulls at Crew Stadium. The MLS Primetime Thursday match will be televised live nationally 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
