Hamilton's goal gives Toronto 1-1 draw with Crew

Columbus - Jordan Hamilton tied it in the 64th minute and Toronto FC held on for a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night in front of a season-low 13,410 at the Mapfre Stadium.

Jay Chapman punched a diagonal cross into an opening in the 18-yard box and Hamilton raced behind it to put away the left-footed shot. The goal marked a sign of the future for Greg Vanney's lot, as both Ontario-born players came through TFC's academy to breakthrough into the first team this season.

The experience appears to be paying off.

"The more you play the more you get comfortable and I feel like I've taken strides since my first start," Hamilton, 20, said after the match.

Harrison Afful opened the scoring in the 54th minute for last season's MLS Cup runners-up. Afful was inside the penalty arc when he volleyed home Josh Williams' attempt to clear with a high-arching header.

Related: Toronto FC to rest Giovinco against Columbus

Columbus snapped a two-game losing streak but failed to get three points at home while facing Toronto FC without its three designated players - last year's MVP Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.

The Crew sit second from bottom on 17 points, while TFC is in fifth, six points adrift of Eastern Conference table toppers New York City FC. Toronto stays on the road ahead of Saturday's late tilt with San Jose while Columbus will welcome D.C. United earlier in the day.