Toronto FC defeats Columbus Crew SC 4-2 in MLS pre-season ame

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Brazil’s Auro scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 64th minute Thursday as Toronto FC beat Columbus Crew SC 4-2 in an MLS pre-season game.

After defending champion Columbus opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Jozy Altidore tied it up in the 35th minute at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Patrick Mullins made it 2-1 in the 49th minute before Auro converted his spot kick,

Rookie striker Jordan Perruzza made it 4-1 in the 82nd with Columbus pulling one back four minutes later.

Toronto is preparing for the April 7 first leg of its Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League round-of-16 tie against Mexico’s Club Leon. TFC kicks off the MLS season on April 17 against CF Montreal in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2021