Columbus Crew failed to break through against a committed Toronto FC rearguard action as they tied the Reds 0-0 to open the two leg Eastern Conference Finals series. The Black and Gold held the visitors to no shots on goal, but failed to find the target themselves.
Both sides were cagey to open the match. Toronto opted to deploy a 4-1-4-1 that stymied the Crew attack, but didn't lead to too much offense for the visitors as the first half rolled along. Columbus struggled against the tight, pressing defense of the Reds.
Toronto would finally test Zack Steffen in the 41st minute off a corner.