Afful, Jonathan Mensah, others miss out on Eastern Conference trophy

Ghanaian quartet Jonathan Mensah, Mohammed Abu, Harrison Afful and Lalas Abubakar started for Columbus Crew as they tasted a 1-0 defeat to Toronto FC to miss out on the MLS Eastern Conference trophy.

The Black and Gold conceded on the hour mark with a striker from Jozy Altidore to lose 1-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 first leg.

Lalas, who played in a left back role, was replaced after 73 minutes and midfielder Abu lasted 83 minutes.