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TORONTO — It was a day of firsts for Toronto FC's Jose Cifuentes and Walker Zimmerman
The Reds extended their points streak to three games with a 2-1 comeback victory over the visiting Columbus Crew at BMO Field.Cifuentes, a midfielder, and Zimmerman, a centre back, both scored their first-ever goals for TFC.
The win was especially gratifying for the Reds after they allowed a goal in the 98th minute to the New York Red Bulls last weekend, settling for a disappointing 1-1 tie in the club's home opener.
"To be on the right side of a late goal (today) felt really good and I'm really happy for the guys going into this international break that we can have some momentum and be proud of the way we played," said Zimmerman. "It was frustrating last week, not only with the result, but the way we played at home.
"We felt we left a lot on the table there and wanted to be a lot more aggressive this game and I thought our performance in general was more deserving of three points this week."
Wessam Abou Ali of Columbus, in the fourth minute, opened the scoring for the visiting side, but Cifuentes got TFC on the board in the 56th minute. It was the Ecuadorean international's first career goal for the Reds since joining the club last August on loan from the Glasgow Rangers.
Cifuentes was listed as questionable before the game because of a knee issue but was in the starting XI. He left the game in the 75th minute and was replaced by Malik Henry.
Zimmerman, who joined TFC as a free agent in January after six seasons with Nashville SC, scored the winner in the 83rd minute when he headed a hard corner kick by Djordje Mihailovic from the centre of the box into the Columbus goal, giving the Reds a lead that they never relinquished.
"(The goal feels) special in the sense that you always want to score at an important time (in a match)," said Zimmerman. "I knew we needed three points and it felt like, at the time, it would secure us the win.
"So … game winning goal, first one for the club, having my family here, all those things make it special. We live to score and have those moments so every time I score, I mean, jubilation, I'm pumped, I'm freaking out and excited to get back to the next play."
The Crew, winless in five games this season, held a slight advantage in possession (54 per cent to 46 per cent) but was outshot 12-7. Toronto also had seven shots on goal to four by Columbus.
The win improved TFC's season record to two wins, a draw and two losses.
The match represented the first TFC start for DP striker Josh Sargent buthe was replaced by Mihailovic to start the second half. TFC coach Robin Fraser said Sargent being substituted to start the second was planned.
"Today, compared to last week, I thought we were much more aggressive _ earlier, higher up the field, and as a result it made it very difficult for them to play out at times," said Fraser. "So, I was really proud of the engagement and the aggressive mindset.
"I think that set the tone for the entire game."
Despite TFC dominating possession early in the first half, the Crew jumped ahead 1-0 in the fourth minute when midfielder Max Arfsten received a long pass down the left side of the field from midfielder Dylan Chambost. Following a nice cross into the box by Chambost, Ali headed the ball into the corner past TFC keeper Luka Gavran for the lead.
The Reds kept pushing in the half and were awarded three straight corner kicks in the 40th minute. All were taken by attacking midfielder Alonso Coello, who almost connected on all three, the second of which was saved at the last minute by a Columbus defender as the ball headed toward the goal.
Later, veteran TFC midfielder Jonathan Osorio intercepted a bad clearing attempt by Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte in the box and found Daniel Salloi alone in front. The Hungarian winger directed his hurried strike just wide of the goal.
Osorio, of Brampton Ont., played in his 400th game in all competitions for TFC.
"I'm glad it's over with," said Osorio, with a laugh when asked about his milestone. "No, it's great.
"Again, I don't take being here for granted, I don't take playing football for granted. It's a blessing every day and I come into every day enjoying it and really giving it my all. And to do it with my home club is more than anybody can ask for."
In the 52nd minute, Columbus midfielder Diego Rossi almost put his team two goals ahead when he picked up a pass on a counterattack and right-footed a hard shot off the left goalpost.
The tying goal came in the 56th minute when Cifuentes collected a pass from Daniel Salloi, settled it down, and then right-footed a shot from the centre of the box into the far corner. Canadian international Richie Laryea also picked up an assist on the goal.
Seconds later, Schulte was forced to make a diving save on a right-footed shot by Salloi from just outside the box.
Due to the international break, the Reds don't play their next game until April 4 when they host the Colorado Rapids.
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