Two goals from Jermain Defoe helped Toronto FC to come from behind twice and beat Columbus Crew 3-2 at BMO Field tonight.

The visitors took the lead on 18 minutes when Justin Meram was played in by Ethan Finlay, and the forward made no mistake in tucking the ball beyond keeper Joe Bendik.

However, Toronto were quickly back on terms when Defoe was bundled over in the penalty area, and the ex-Tottenham Hotspur frontman calmly slotted home from 12 yards.

Crew took the lead again midway through the second half when Ben Speas played in Agustin Viana and the midfielder sent his effort past the reach of Bednik to put the away side in control.

Defoe responded with nine minutes left when he latched onto a Gilberto through ball before rifling his shot beyond Steve Clark.

Toronto then snatched victory in injury time when Doneil Henry scored for the Canadians to hand them a victory that moves them into fifth place in the Eastern Conference.