Toronto FC head coach Robin Fraser has lauded the impact of forward Daniel Salloi this season, ahead of a crucial clash with the Columbus Crew.

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

Toronto took a huge step towards qualifying for 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 praised his forward 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."

the story continues…  All For One presented by @Bell https://t.co/BzArt5mxF3

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) October 20, 2026

Columbus' improving MLS form continued last time out as they defeated FC Cincinnati 2-0 on the road.

However, their momentum suffered a blow as they lost on penalties in the US Open Cup final against St. Louis City on Wednesday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Gonzalo Tapia

Tapia both scored and assisted in the Crew's victory over Cincinnati, marking his second such MLS match since joining the club in the summer.

He scored with his only shot against Cincinnati, while also leading his team-mates for touches in the opposition box (four) and possessions won (four).

Toronto FC – Jonathan Osorio

Osorio assisted Salloi's strike for Toronto in their win over the Red Bulls.

The midfielder also led Toronto in chances created (two), touches (49), completed passes (26), possessions won (eight) and interceptions (four).

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Columbus have won four of their last five league games; only Nashville SC and the Philadelphia Union (both 13) have picked up more points over the last five games.

Toronto are also in good form, with the Reds unbeaten in their last three MLS games (W2 D1) during this play-off push.

Hosts Columbus have seven wins, two draws, and six losses this season in 15 MLS contests at home. Toronto have three wins, three draws, and eight losses on the road this season in league matches.

Toronto did win the most recent meeting between these two sides, picking up a 2-1 victory back in March on home soil.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 54.2%

Draw – 23.5%

Toronto FC – 22.3%