Hamilton’s goal gives Toronto FC 1-1 draw with Crew

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jordan Hamilton tied it in the 64th minute and Toronto FC held on for a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night.

Jay Chapman punched a diagonal cross into an opening in the 18-yard box and Hamilton raced behind it to put away the left-footed shot.

“Jordan made a great peel-off run. It was a good run so it was easy for me to pass it to him and it was a great finish,” said Chapman.

“It was a really gutsy performance, and I’m proud of all the guys. When you’re on the road in hot weather like that, against a top team in the conference like Columbus, it’s not an easy result to get. So, I think coming away with a draw is a good result.”

Harrison Afful opened the scoring in the 54th minute for the Crew (3-7-8). Afful was inside the penalty arc when he volleyed home Josh Williams’ attempt to clear with a high-arching header.

Columbus snapped a two-game losing streak but failed to get three points at home while facing a depleted Toronto FC (6-6-6) roster.

Toronto FC was without star striker Sebastian Giovinco as the Italian was given the night off. Giovinco’s absence plus injuries to captain Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Clint Irwin, Will Johnson, Daniel Lovitz and Ashtone Morgan meant Toronto had just five players on its bench.

“I was proud of the group. Candidly I said that this is not a tactical win, it’s not anything other than sheer grit and determination and then working together as a group to get something out of it,” said Toronto coach Greg Vanney.

“It’s one of those games that hopefully it can be a team-building, character-building sort of moment for the group. They worked very hard tonight under difficult circumstances.”