Harrison Afful's first MLS goal gives Crew SC one point at home

Ghana defender Harrison Afful scored his first goal in the MLS and put-up a Man of the Match display for Columbus Crew in their 1-1 draw with Toronto FC.

After more than two weeks away from home, Afful’s Crew returned to MAPFRE Stadium with a 1-1 draw with Toronto in the Second Leg of the 2016 Trillium Cup.

Afful’s first career MLS goal sealed a point for the Black & Gold, and extended the club’s regular-season unbeaten streak at home to eight matches.

Following a 23-minute weather delay and Cedrick Mabwati coming on for Ethan Finlay during the break, Crew did not wait to take the lead. In the 54th minute, a Duka corner was partially cleared outside of the Toronto penalty area toward Afful. The defender wound up, and struck a first-time shot that flew into the bottom right corner of the goal to give Crew SC the 1-0 advantage.

Crew SC controlled more than 66 percent of the possession, and notched more than 86 percent passing accuracy in the draw.

Just 10 minutes later, however, the Toronto equalized.

Forward Jordan Hamilton received a through-ball from Jay Chapman, and powered home a shot from close range.

The Black & Gold ramped up their pressure following Toronto’s goal, forming opportunities to once again take the lead. Ola Kamara had a number of chances to score his fourth goal in as many matches, with his best coming in the 76th minute, when his free-kick went just inches over the crossbar.

Steve Clark came up big in the final minutes of the match, including a save from a point-blank strike in the 88th minute to keep the match scoreless. And when the final whistle blew, Crew SC claimed a point, and its second straight draw with the Reds.

Columbus Crew will play their second of three-straight home matches on Saturday, when D.C. United come to town. Kickoff at MAPFRE Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.