Photo Credit: Graham Green
When it was announced that Brad Davis of rivals Houston Dynamo had been signed by Sporting Kansas City many people were up in arms. His efforts had been key in knocking out KC in the playoffs multiple times. But transfers are made for a reason.
With the game very much a fight that didn’t show any one side to have the advantage. Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow was looking to block Brad Davis from the ball to let it go out for a goal kick. Davis had other ideas.
Angling himself properly he got past Morrow, who found himself on the deck, and with three touches got himself in position to use his left foot and score the match’s only goal.
In the buildup to the goal center referee Baldomero Toledo had been lack with enforcing some of the rules. Rules that many Toronto FC fans will credit as why the deadlock was broken.
Toledo has long been an MLS referee, working in MLS since 2004 and refereeing two MLS Cup finals. He has always come under criticism for those who believe that his calling of a game is under question which in this case is via this registered referee.
A second game changing moment came in the 84th minute as Roger Espinoza was issued a red card for his challenge on Marco Delgado. Admittedly the most violent challenge and with the studs being just the little bit up it is a red, had he kept them down only a yellow card would have been issued. Correct call in the end.
Getting away from referee decisions the sheer quality of Toronto FC designated player Sebastian Giovinco was scary. Every moment that he gained possession in the Sporting Kansas City defensive half it seemed that there was a sign collectively from fans that the reigning league MVP.
Tim Melia was called on to save Sporting Kansas City’s effort on a regular basis as Toronto searched for an equalizer. A spot on Major League Soccer’s weekly best XI seems a lock and more than likely will have one or more entrants in save of the month and year competitions.
Man of the Match: Honors can only go to Tim Melia who had save after save in keeping his third consecutive clean sheet and assisting in Sporting KC having a 100% start to the 2016 campaign
