Sparked by Jozy Altidore’s season debut, Toronto FC earned a 3-2 home win on Sunday night over the New England Revolution.
Altidore subbed in for Jordan Hamilton in the 68th minute, then found the game-winner in the 80th when he blasted home a cross from Justin Morrow across the goalmouth. The US men’s national team striker broke what seemed destined for a 2-2 draw.
The strike also quieted a star showing from Revs' midfielder Carles Gil. The Spaniard and Designated Player scored on a penalty kick in the 9th minute, then drew New England level in the 52nd minute via a deflected shot.
As the game flowed back and forth, Toronto found a quick response to Gil’s first goal via US U-20 international Ayo Akinola. In the 14th minute, the forward finished off a mazy run with a curled finish inside the far post for his first-ever MLS goal.
Toronto had a lead going into halftime, as Hamilton cushioned home a cross from Jay Chapman in the 45th minute. There was a suspicion of offsides on Chapman, but head referee Ted Unkel let the decision stand after input from the video assistant referee.
Goals
- 9' – NE – Carles Gil (PK) | WATCH
- 14' – TFC – Ayo Akinola | WATCH
- 45' – TFC – Jordan Hamilton | WATCH
- 52' – NE – Carles Gil | WATCH
- 80' – TFC – Jozy Altidore | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: After starting last season with a 1-4 record, the 2017 MLS Cup champions are off to a roaring start. TFC have now won back-to-back league games, a feat they accomplished once during all of 2018.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Jordan Hamilton's goal and the controversial decision from head referee Ted Unkel are bound to be discussed all week. It gave Toronto a 2-1 lead on the stroke of halftime and left the Revs irate.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Jozy Altidore made quite the introduction after an injury-ravaged 2018 season. He bagged his 61st regular-season goal in MLS and gave Toronto all three points for the second straight match.
Next Up
- NE: March 24 vs. FC Cincinnati (4 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
- TOR: March 29 vs. New York City FC (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in USA, TSN 4/5 in Canada)
