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Ten-man TFC holds on for draw with Columbus

Apr 23, 2011 - 10:30 PM Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Toronto FC held out for a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew at BMO Field on Saturday despite playing the second half with only 10 men.

Tony Tchani had an eventful first half as he put TFC into the lead in the 41st minute, but was given a second yellow card for leaving the field to celebrate with the fans.

This left the home side in a tough spot, and the Crew (2-1-3) took advantage three minutes after the break as Emilio Renteria leveled the contest.

Toronto (1-2-4) has now drawn four of its last five games, while the Crew set a new franchise record for most consecutive minutes without allowing a goal at 413.

The home side created a chance midway through the opening half when Javier Martina had a shot from inside the penalty area saved by the foot of Columbus goalkeeper Will Hesmer.

However, Hesmer's streak of four successive clean sheets was halted when Tchani tracked down a well-weighted ball over the top from Julian De Guzman and rolled it into the lower-right corner.

Having already been booked, Tchani was then shown a second yellow card for his celebration, leaving Toronto with 10 men.

The Crew scored early in the second half when Sebastian Miranda's right-wing cross was flicked inside the far post by the head of Renteria, but the Crew was unable to push on and claim all three points as Toronto held out for the draw.