Fraser lauds Salloi's impact as Toronto FC eye crucial play-off push at Columbus

Salloi praised as Toronto chase play-off spot

Toronto FC could take a major step towards clinching a play-off place when they travel to the Columbus Crew this weekend. Head coach Robin Fraser has lauded the impact of forward Daniel Salloi this season ahead of the crucial clash.

The Reds sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, level on points with ninth-place New York Red Bulls, who currently hold the final postseason spot and are just one point ahead of Columbus.

A key win over the Red Bulls

Toronto took a big step towards the play-offs with a 2-0 victory over the Red Bulls last time out, with Salloi scoring their second goal to secure all three points.

In his first season with the Reds, Salloi has scored eight goals and provided seven assists, directly contributing to more goals than any of his team-mates.

Fraser on his forward

Fraser singled out Salloi for leading the charge, especially after the injuries Toronto suffered earlier in the season.

"Daniel's been great for us all year," said Fraser. "I think early in the year when we were going through this rash of injuries, Daniel was scoring a number of goals for us and really keeping us in games and winning games for us.

"He's been tremendous all year long, and whatever role, whether it's on the bench or from the start, he's contributed greatly to us, and we're certainly excited to have him."

Columbus form and players to watch

Columbus' improving MLS form continued last time out as they beat FC Cincinnati 2-0 on the road. Their momentum was dented, however, when they lost on penalties in the US Open Cup final against St. Louis City on Wednesday.

Gonzalo Tapia both scored and assisted in the Crew's win over Cincinnati, his second such MLS match since joining the club in the summer. He scored with his only shot and led his team-mates for touches in the opposition box (four) and possessions won (four).

Jonathan Osorio assisted Salloi's strike in the win over the Red Bulls and led Toronto in chances created (two), touches (49), completed passes (26), possessions won (eight) and interceptions (four).

Form and prediction

Columbus have won four of their last five league games, and only Nashville SC and the Philadelphia Union (both 13) have picked up more points over that span. Toronto are unbeaten in their last three MLS games (W2 D1) during this play-off push.

Columbus have seven wins, two draws and six losses in 15 home MLS matches this season, while Toronto have three wins, three draws and eight losses on the road. Toronto did win the most recent meeting, a 2-1 victory in March on home soil.

Opta's win probabilities make Columbus favourites: Columbus Crew 54.2%, draw 23.5%, Toronto FC 22.3%.