The Columbus Crew have been getting leads lately to see them evaporate. A week ago, the Black & Gold were up 5-0 at Atlanta and just held on for a 5-4 victory. On Wednesday at New York City FC, they led 1-0 and 2-1 before falling 3-2. At Lower.com Field Saturday, they were ahead of Toronto FC, 1-0, but gave up a tying goal in the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy talked about the need to hold a lead, “[W]e are trying to find solutions. If we didn’t do it, it’s because I’m not good enough. The reality is this is the same situation, but at the same time, I know that we try to push the player. At the same time, I know that this is a cycle; I’ve been there. I really believe in my team. I really trust that we’re going to be able to do it.”

Columbus was once again playing without their leading scorer, Diego Rossi, who suffered a hamstring injury in the match at Atlanta. For the third straight contest, Wessam Abou Ali recorded a goal for the Crew. In the 15th minute, Max Arfsten played give and go twice to bring the ball into the box where he pushed it ahead to Abou Ali, who scored on a quick touch.

Toronto’s Richie Laryea leveled the score in the 51st minute with his team’s first shot on goal of the night. Laryea took a pass from Jonathan Osorio and beat Malte Amundsen up the right side of the pitch. He then kicked it past Patrick Schulte in a one-on-one battle. Both teams had opportunities after that, but couldn’t convert.

The Black & Gold are back in action next Saturday, traveling to play the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. The kickoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. The Fire are in ninth place in the MLS’s Eastern Conference, one spot below the Crew, who are tied for seventh with Nashville.