TORONTO – It took Toronto FC 60 minutes to reward the fans and management with a goal from the teams newest superstar on a very bitter Saturday afternoon at BMO Field when they got a thrilling 2nd half goal from Jermain Defoe to beat D.C. United 1-0.
TFC fielded a young team with many changes from their opener which saw them defeat Seattle 3-2 away from home to open their 2014 season. The cold freezing wind was tough on both teams as was the new grass pitch. The field took some real punishment and caused a lot of lazy sloppy passes that were easily intercepted.
TFC newcomers Defoe, Bradley, Cesar, and Brazilian Gilberto showed much promise and at times thrilled the fans. Gilberto to me is the ‘big bloody deal’ after watching his many powering towards the D.C. defense. Once he and Bradley get their runs right they will be a great pair. Gilberto showed Brazilian brilliance at times and his performance made me double check that I was watching an MLS game and not Brazil. He will be a powerhouse for sure once he gets used to his teammates.
TFC keeper Cesar had very little to do, containing any ball directed towards him and not giving the Toronto fans a real chance of his skills, mainly because the back four were stellar and stymied the D.C. forwards time and time again. I’m sure the future games will give him some work, remember, TFC are still a new team and will take a while to gel.
TFC manager Ryan Nelson was very happy with his side after the game and only groaned after not capitalizing on more scoring opportunities. His forwards missed some glorious chances in the 1st half and could use the field condition as part of their faltering and some luck from the D.C goal post.
In the 2nd-half and 60th minute, the fans got what so many had renewed their season tickets for, Jermain Defoe goals. A long shot was parried by the D.C keeper and Defoe does what he does best and pounced on the rebound and buried it past two defenders and into the back of the net for the eventual game winner. Toronto FC next game is on March 29 as they travel on the road to Real Salt Lake.
