Bono denies Columbus to help Toronto FC secure valuable goalless draw

The Columbus Crew's attempt to grab a first-leg advantage came up short as Alex Bono's late heroics helped Toronto FC come away with a valuable goalless draw Tuesday in the opening match of the Eastern Conference final.

Columbus pressed for the lead late in the match, but failed to produce a goal for the the sold out crowd at Mapfre Stadium thanks to Bono's superb display in net.

The TFC goalkeeper wasn't called into action very much throughout the night, but came up huge when it counted most, especially since the visitors were in need of a defensive masterclass with Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore both suspended.

As the two sides edged toward injury time, wave after wave of attack by the Crew eventually produced the game's best opportunity, as a cross into the box saw the ball fall to an unmarked Harrison Afful just outside the six-yard box.

Afful uncorked a screamer from just a few yards out, but saw his strike get turned away by Bono's instinctive save from point-blank range.

Outside of a handful of opportunities that brought the home supporters to their feet, TFC put on a defensive clinic before showing signs of fatigue late in the contest.

However, Greg Vanney's men successfully held off the Crew and will look to secure a place in the MLS Cup final when the two sides meet again Nov. 29 at BMO Field.