Toronto FC Cruise Past D.C. United 4-1

Playing host to a reserve squad from the league’s worst team, Toronto FC overcame a sluggish start to grab the expected result Saturday in a 4-1 triumph over D.C. United.

Jared Jeffrey opened the scoring for United in spectacular fashion, but strikes from Darel Russell, Bright Dike and Alvaro Rey, as well as a D.C. own goal, gave Toronto the victory.

With the U.S. Open Cup final at Real Salt Lake looming Tuesday, United coach Ben Olsen fielded a second-string team and only dressed five substitutes. Among the starters for United were 17-year-old Michael Seaton and 18-year-old Collin Martin, homegrown players signed this year.

United took the lead 15 minutes in. Given time and space 30 yards out, Jeffrey set his sights on goal and curled a gorgeous strike into the upper corner.

Toronto drew even 11 minutes later. Collecting a deflected service from Bobby Convey, Russell chested the ball down and hit a no-look volley past Joe Willis.

The home side jumped ahead in the 67th minute. With the referee playing advantage following a Marcelo Saragosa foul, Toronto right back Mark Bloom whipped in a cross that Dike volleyed home.

Toronto added an insurance goal four minutes later, as a centering feed from Rey deflected off United’s Conor Shanosky for an own goal.  Rey wrapped up the goals in the 87th minute  with a great individual run and a  far-post goal. The final score Toronto FC 4 D.C United 1.