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MLS is Back Tournament: Akinola stars for Toronto, Columbus into last 16
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in MLS. | 17 July 2020 | 617 Views
Tags: Football, Columbus Crew, Mls, Montreal Impact, New York Rb, Toronto

Ayo Akinola stole the show for Toronto at the MLS is Back Tournament on Thursday, while Columbus Crew won again.

Akinola, 20, starred with a hat-trick in Toronto's thrilling 4-3 victory over the Montreal Impact at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The United States youth international helped Toronto to their first win in Group C, while Montreal were left without a point.

Toronto opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Richie Laryea, who cut inside from the left before finding the bottom corner.

Romell Quioto's finish in a one-on-one brought Montreal level before Akinola got on the end of an Alejandro Pozuelo cross to make it 2-1.

After a Saphir Taider penalty again levelled the contest, Akinola restored Toronto's lead following a Pozuelo pass.

Akinola showed off his strength before completing his hat-trick and Toronto held on despite another Taider penalty deep into additional time.

Columbus Crew booked their spot in the last 16 from Group E after a second straight win, beating the New York Red Bulls 2-0.

Gyasi Zardes opened the scoring before Lucas Zelarayan's low strike in the second half.

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