Toronto FC closed out their Bradenton preseason game schedule with a 1-1 draw against MLS opponents the Chicago Fire. The game leaves Toronto FC with a Bradenton preseason record of 2-1-3 after games against D.C. United, Odense Boldklub, U.S. U-17 National Team, Kansas City Wizards, and the Chicago Fire.
Both Chicago and Toronto fielded competitive lineups, and were playing the game at a rapid pace to begin the first half. After 20 minutes of play the game started to slow, and it was Chicago who first took advantage of the open space. Chris Rolfe sent in a low cross to Steven Marlet that managed to skip through the entire box but Marlet failed to get a touch. In the 32nd minute it was Marlet again, but his effort eventually sailed wide of the post.
Toronto regained their composure and started applying their own pressure and were eventually rewarded with some good scoring opportunities. In the 33rd minute Collin Samuel blew by a defender and made some space for a shot, but the effort ended up right in the Chicago keeper's arms. Samuel beat his defender again in the 38th minute and managed to get a cross to Ronnie O'Brien - but his one-timer was unfortunately stopped by the keeper, and the game remained 0-0.
The second half started much like the first and only 3 minutes into it, Jeff Cunningham found himself with some space, but his attempt ended up wide.
Chicago finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when a long range shot from Chad Barrett was mishandled by Toronto FC goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar. The rebound fell to Calen Carr who slotted his shot into the empty net to give the Fire a 1-0 lead. Only three minutes later Barrett got behind the Toronto defence but his effort cracked off the post and was cleared from danger.
Jarrod Smith came on in the 73rd for O'Brien, and the New Zealand international took advantage of his opportunity only five minutes later. Tyler Hemming found Smith in the box, who managed to find some space away from his defender, firing his shot past the Chicago keeper, which leveled the score at 1-1. Toronto FC was unable to capitalize on any chances in the remaining 10 minutes, and the game ended drawn at one.
Scoring Summary
CHI: Carr 50'
TFC: Smith (Hemming) 78'
Toronto FC Line-up
Sutton (Wagenaar 45), Hemming, Velez, Marshall, Brennan, O'Brien (Smith 73), Musampa, Edu, Samuel, Dichio, Cunningham
