Crew's Kamara critical of referees after losing MLS Golden Boot

The Columbus Crew may have clinched a playoff berth with a win over Toronto FC, but for the team's top forward, Kei Kamara, that win came with a personal sacrifice.

All season long, Kamara and Toronto star Sebastian Giovinco have been deadlocked in the hunt for the MLS Golden Boot. Due to the yellow card Kamara picked up at BMO Field, though, he's now suspended for the final game of the season. That cuts his 2015 season cut short by one game, and extinguishes his hopes for the award.

"You've got to be happy for the team, but I think the referee screwed me today, horrible calls, 100 of them on me," Kamara said after the match, according to a press release. "He could've given the cards to anybody but he gave it to me, he chose to end my season that way, but it's been a fun season, you've got be happy, we got the three points."

Giovinco now has the edge over Kamara. They're tied at 22 goals, but the first tiebreaker goes to the player who has more assists; barring a six-goal haul from LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane (17 goals) in his next two games, Giovinco has essentially clinched the MLS Golden Boot, even if he doesn't score next week.

Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter was asked whether the postgame celebration was bittersweet because of Kamara's suspension.

"Yes. Yes, it is. He won't get the chance to get the Golden Boot," Berhalter said. "From my viewpoint it wasn't a yellow card, it's unfortunate because he's had an amazing season, the team was pulling for him you know, and helping him gets it, even for next week."

Giovinco is also the favourite for the MLS Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year titles, possibly leaving Kamara empty-handed at the end of the regular season. But, he doesn't harbour any grudges.

"Giovinco and I are opposites in every way, in every aspect of play but that's what makes this such a beautiful ending to the season because we were the only two players with this competition building," Kamara said.

"Hopefully he appreciates what I do because I certainly appreciate what he does."