Toronto FC's Pre-season mystery unveiled: Details of Columbus Crew match

Toronto FC fans were left in suspense after the latest pre-season match against the Columbus Crew in Santa Barbara, California. Despite the club's silence on the game's outcome, dedicated followers managed to uncover the truth.

Although Toronto FC remained tight-lipped about the results, The Athletic’s MLS insider Tom Bogert provided the missing piece, revealing a 4-2 victory for the Columbus Crew. This disclosure came 24 hours post-game, following the club's hesitant release of match details.

Before the match, Toronto FC teased fans with social media posts, offering glimpses into the action but withholding crucial information. While the club's Twitter post showcased celebrations, it omitted specifics like goal scorers and the final score.

Despite the ambiguity surrounding the match, a later report clarified key points. Ayo Akinola and Alonso Coello were credited with goals, adding substance to the match's narrative. The report also highlighted Coach John Herdman's satisfaction with the team's attacking prowess.

Although the report failed to confirm the full-time score, video evidence emerged, confirming Columbus Crew's dominance with four goals. However, the involvement of "multiple trialists" remains uncertain, leaving fans curious about the team's composition.

Why the secrecy? Delve into Toronto FC's reluctance to disclose match details. Was it a strategic move to keep opponents guessing, or perhaps an attempt to manage fan expectations?

Toronto FC's pre-season journey has been eventful, with training camps in Palm Beach, Florida, and Toronto preceding their California fixtures. As the team readies itself for the 2024 MLS season opener against FC Cincinnati, matches against Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles FC await, promising further insights into their preparedness.