Introduction
Saturday afternoon’s matchup at BMO Field sees Toronto FC host Columbus Crew in a contest where both teams are seeking a spark to ignite their 2026 MLS campaigns. Kickoff is set for 1 PM ET, and with both clubs languishing in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference, this fixture carries real weight for their early-season ambitions. TFC aim to leverage home advantage to climb the table, while the Crew are desperate to register their first win of the season. Recent head-to-head history strongly favors the visitors, but Toronto’s improved shot accuracy this year offers hope of turning the tide.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on a blend of recent head-to-head dominance, season-long attacking metrics, and defensive vulnerabilities, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in “Both Teams To Score” hitting, given both sides’ defensive records and creation of quality chances without clinical finishing so far.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Sportsbook | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams To Score – Yes | Bet365 -162 (61.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both teams average 1 goal per game, each has kept just 1 clean sheet in 4 games. |
| Columbus Crew or Draw (Double Chance) | Bet365 -200 (66.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Columbus Crew unbeaten in 8 straight vs Toronto (5 wins, 3 draws). |
Our approach: Start with Both Teams To Score at minus odds, add Double Chance on Columbus Crew for parlay potential. Odds correct at the time of writing.
Season Form & Standings
The 2026 MLS Regular Season Standings show both clubs with plenty to prove. Toronto FC sit eighth in the Eastern Conference on four points after four games, while Columbus Crew are down at fourteenth with just two points and yet to register a win. Both teams have scored four, with TFC conceding seven and the Crew six, underlining the need for sharper finishing and tighter defense.
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto FC | 8 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 4 |
| Columbus Crew | 14 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 2 |
Potential Match-Winners
While neither side boasts a top league scorer so far in 2026, several players could tip the balance:
- Dániel Sallói (Toronto FC): Averaging over two shots per game and responsible for several of Toronto’s 26 shots from inside the box this season. Has scored twice.
- Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew): Key creator, contributing to Columbus Crew’s high number of big chance assists and 104 penalty area touches—the most in the game. Also has two goals.
- Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC): Central link in attack, involved in Toronto’s league-high shot accuracy rate (48.3%).
- Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew): One of the best emerging goalkeepers in MLS in recent years, and is averaging 2.50 saves per 90 this season.
Stats refer to 2026 MLS regular season performances.
Head-to-Head
Columbus Crew have dominated this fixture in recent years, unbeaten in the last eight meetings with five wins and three draws, outscoring Toronto FC by 15 goals to five.
Last 8 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 21, 2025 | Columbus Crew 1-1 Toronto FC | MLS |
| Aug 17, 2025 | Toronto FC 1-1 Columbus Crew | MLS |
| Sep 19, 2024 | Toronto FC 0-2 Columbus Crew | MLS |
| Jul 7, 2024 | Columbus Crew 4-0 Toronto FC | MLS |
| Aug 27, 2023 | Columbus Crew 2-0 Toronto FC | MLS |
| Mar 12, 2023 | Toronto FC 1-1 Columbus Crew | MLS |
| Jun 30, 2022 | Toronto FC 1-2 Columbus Crew | MLS |
| Mar 12, 2022 | Columbus Crew 2-1 Toronto FC | MLS |
Toronto FC vs Columbus Crew Prediction
Given the Crew’s long-standing head-to-head stranglehold and their underlying attacking metrics, Columbus Crew look the value play on the road. However, both teams’ inability to convert chances and defensive lapses suggest goals at both ends are likely. The best bet is Both Teams To Score at Bet365 -162 (61.7%), with a lean toward Columbus Crew or Draw in the Double Chance market for added safety.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
More MLS stats and standings: MLS standings 2026 | Top scorers | Assist leaders | Full MLS stats hub