Toronto FC
The 2013 edition of the Trillium Cup rivalry kicks off on Saturday (5:00 P.M./FOX Sports Ohio) between the Crew and Toronto FC at BMO Field in Toronto. The Black & Gold have owned the rivalry having only been defeated once in 16 meetings since it began with the Reds' expansion into MLS in 2007 and the Trillium Cup started as a bet between the cities' mayors in 2008. The teams have had a similar number of MLS All-Stars and Best XI selections, and though the Crew's large-market competitor has had twice the number of Designated Players, the Ontario side has yet to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs while the Black & Gold have won an MLS Cup and has been to the playoffs four times in the past six seasons.
| CLB | TOR | |
|---|---|---|
| Trillium Cups | 4 | 1 |
| Head-to-Head Record | 8-1-7 | 1-8-7 |
| Head-to-Head Goal Differential | +9 | -9 |
| Overall Record (Pct.) | 84-62-52 (.555) | 46-93-59 (.381) |
| Playoff Appearances | 4 | 0 |
| MLS Cups | 1 | 0 |
| MLS Supporters' Shields | 2 | 0 |
| USOC/Canadian Championships | 0 | 4 |
| MLS All-Stars | 8 | 8 |
| MLS Best XI Selections | 4 | 2 |
| Designated Players | 3 | 6 |
| Homegrown Players | 5 | 7 |
*All stats, 2007-2013
The Crew swept Toronto FC in three matches last season, outscoring the Reds 5-2 in the process. Before the 2013 Trillium Cup series kicks off on Saturday (5:00 P.M./FOX Sports Ohio), here is a look back at the 2012 edition of the rivalry.
Bernardo Anor scored the match's lone goal as the Black & Gold topped Toronto FC 1-0. Eric Gehrig stood tall in central defense, making the start on short notice for an injured Danny O'Rourke to help the Crew to the shutout.
In his first start for the Black & Gold, Federico Higuaín provided the assist on Eddie Gaven's fourth minute tally to put the Crew ahead early before adding a goal for himself in the second half. Luis Silva scored in 72nd minute to get one back for Toronto, but it wasn't enough as the Black & Gold re-claimed the Trillium Cup.
Higuaín scored a pair of tallies to propel the Crew to a 2-1 victory at Crew Stadium to close out the 2012 season. The playmaker's penalty kick broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute to secure the three points for the Black & Gold.
It's never to late to scout the enemy.
Check out highlights from Toronto FC's 1-1 draw against Santos Laguna in CONCACAF Champions League last night: