More than 27 000 fans assist tonight at BMO Field. Even if the weather was against the passion for soccer, Toronto FC host for the first time Sporting Kansas City in this 2017 season.
In the first half, the Reds had more than 53 per cent possession with at least 2 clear opportunities from Jonathan Osorio who racked the biggest chance a few minutes before the end of the first 45 minutes and where goalkeeper Clint Irwin suffers an injury at minute 40 giving the opportunity to back up goalkeeper Alexander Bono.
In the 57th minute, Espinoza makes a foul against Giovinco conceding a free kick executed from none other than Giovinco with a very close call to scoring, crashing the ball on the superior part of the arc. Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia had the spot well defended though making the save to preserve the scoreline.
Later in the 52nd minute, coach Greg Vanney decides on making his first voluntary substitution for this encounter substituting Tosaint Ricketts for Jozy Altidore to refresh the force in attack for this 2016 Eastern Conference champions.
Once more, the figure for this Ontario team, Sebastian Giovinco, during this game, he was the player that attacked most on the field, even the fouls, Sebastian kept fighting until the very last seconds. In the 76th minute, after racking a couple of goal opportunities, Greg Vanney subbed off Osorio for Armando Cooper.
As for Sporting Kansas City proved to be a difficult foe for TFC always pushing back the Reds within the central line. They made it quite a difficult task for the home side to create any opportunities.
Tonight’s performance from Toronto FC was very similar to their final few matches in the playoffs from last season, where they are focused on the goal, but for some reason the target evaded them.
On a last note, Toronto FC’s Italian forward, had the opportunity to visit his family doctor in Italy and now SG10 comes back to Canada with very good news about his wellbeing, which was confirmed by coach in a press conference prior to the match.
A couple of stats for this home opening match for Toronto FC –
Shots: 13 TFC and 15 SKC
Shots on goal: 2 TFC and 5 SKC
Corner kicks: 6 TFC and 4 SKC
Fouls: 10 TFC and 11 SKC
Yellow cards: 1 TFC and 1 TFC
Ball possession: 59.6% TFC and 40.4% SKC
Toronto FC
Sporting Kansas City
