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Without Giovinco or Altidore, Bradley stepped up and took the reins

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The absence of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore was the main narrative in the days leading up to the first leg of the Eastern Conference Final, but in a tense night at MAPFRE Stadium, Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley stepped up in a very important way to secure a 0-0 draw against the Columbus Crew.

Bradley, who was resoundingly booed by the Columbus faithful for his role in the United States' elimination from 2018 World Cup qualifying, proved the biggest presence in Greg Vanney's side, with the shiny-headed midfield general making himself available on seemingly every single play. Wherever and whenever he was needed, the stoic 30-year-old was there to help out:

Compare the image above - Bradley's distribution over 90 minutes against the Crew (and, consequently, his presence across the field) with Bradley's same metric against the New York Red Bulls in the previous match:

Bradley certainly was a busy man Tuesday. So busy, in fact, that he visibly tired in the final 15 minutes. He ran relentlessly for 75 minutes, then led his ranks to see out the match. It wasn't straightforward - playoff games rarely are - and a lot of credit must also go to Alex Bono, who made a huge save on Harrison Afful late in the match.

Lady luck played her part, too.

Bradley earned his rest following this scoreless draw, and he'll need it for the second leg, having avoided the yellow card that would have ruled him ineligible. Toronto will need Bradley's full effort once again for that match, though in his traditional deep-lying midfield role.

His effective marshaling of play, coupled with his ability to slow the tone of the match, allowed the shorthanded Reds to go into Columbus and take home a positive result.

And it is a positive result. Going into a stadium that Toronto has historically struggled in and plucking a 0-0 draw while undermanned is a result TFC faithful would have settled for. An away goal wasn't procured, but the questions of the tie will now be answered at BMO Field, a prospect that Bradley and Co. will relish immensely.

On Nov. 29, the Reds will return to the playoff fray fully bolstered, as the Atomic Ant and the Beast shake off their suspensions and figure their way back into Vanney's starting XI. Without Giovinco and Altidore, Toronto FC staved off a hungry Crew side that showed it can put up a fight. Adding these two star men ought to swing the balance in Toronto's favor.

But make no mistake - it will take the anchoring presence of Toronto's midfield general to secure a spot in the MLS Cup final.

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