Columbus Crew lose 2-1 at Toronto FC after early Abou Ali goal and late reversal

Early breakthrough, late turning point at BMO Field

The Columbus Crew surrendered an early advantage and fell 2-1 to Toronto FC on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto. Columbus struck first in the fourth minute through Wessam Abou Ali, but second-half goals from José Cifuentes and Walker Zimmerman flipped the result and left the Crew still searching for their first league win of the season.

The match was played as part of the MLS regular season and continued a difficult opening stretch for Columbus. After five matches, the Crew sit at 0-2-3 (2 points). Toronto improved to 2-1-2 (7 points).

How the goals happened

Columbus opened the scoring from the right flank. Max Arfsten reached the end line and delivered a cross that Abou Ali converted with a header, putting the visitors in front before the game settled. The early lead did not produce a second Columbus goal, and Toronto grew into the match with extended periods in the attacking third.

Toronto’s equalizer arrived in the 56th minute through Cifuentes. The decisive moment came late: Zimmerman scored in the 83rd minute to complete the comeback and secure Toronto’s home victory.

Match numbers and game flow

Columbus had more of the ball, finishing with 55.9% possession, but Toronto generated the sharper end product. Toronto recorded 12 total shot attempts to Columbus’ eight and held a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. Set pieces were a major feature, with Toronto earning 10 corners to Columbus’ seven.

• Final score: Toronto FC 2, Columbus Crew 1
• Goals: Abou Ali (4’), Cifuentes (56’), Zimmerman (83’)
• Shots on goal: Toronto 7, Columbus 4
• Possession: Columbus 55.9%, Toronto 44.1%
• Corners: Toronto 10, Columbus 7

What it means for Columbus

The Crew’s early-season profile has been defined by narrow margins and late-game vulnerability. Against Toronto, the inability to add a second goal after scoring early kept the match open, and Toronto’s second-half push ultimately decided it. The result extends a winless start that will increase the pressure on Columbus to convert possession into goals and protect leads more consistently.

After five matches, Columbus remain winless (0-2-3), while Toronto move to 2-1-2.

Columbus now return to league play needing points to avoid falling further behind the early pace in the Eastern Conference.