Toronto FC new signing, Cassius Mailula, made his MLS debut as a second half substitute during a 2-0 defeat against Columbus Crew in match day 26.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns moved to Toronto FC in July joining a list of South African players to play in the MLS like Doctor Khumalo, Shaun Bartlett, Ivan McKinley and Bongokuhle Hlongwane to mention just a few.
Columbus Crew scored the first goal in 21st minute after forward Diego Rossi finished a rebound of Toronto FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero.
After conceding the opening goal, the home side tried to claw their way back to the came putting pressure in the offensive zone.
Midway through the first half, Toronto FC were almost rewarded for their efforts when Federico Bernardeschi’s pass found Lorenzo Insigne, who rattled it off the Columbus post. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Colombus Crew.
Toronto FC started the second half searching for the equaliser. In the 64th minute, Mailula came on former Napoli captain, Lorenzo Insigne and just one minute after coming onto the pitch, Mailula forced a save from Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte after connecting on a header from Jonathan Osorio.
In the 89th minute, Columbus doubled their lead when goalkeeper Patrick Schulte’s long ball found forward Jacen Russell-Rowe, who slotted the ball into the bottom left.
Toronto FC are currently bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference and will take on Philadelphia in the next match.