TORONTO- It was a magical night at a newly renovated BMO Field as Toronto FC played their season home opener to a 1-0 win over FC Dallas. Newly added rookie midfielder Tsubasa Endoh, drafted by Toronto’s first round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, scored the game-winning goal. It was his first professional goal.
New Additions Catalyst for Toronto FC win
League MVP Sebastian Giovinco was still the main man on the Toronto attack. He assisted Endoh’s goal. Endoh played the ball off to Giovinco and charged the Dallas six-yard box. The Atomic Ant bought Endoh some time before playing a perfect ball to the rookie, who took a touch and slotted a fine finish past the keeper.
FC Dallas tried to get back into the game but failed to threaten the Toronto defence. Fabian Castillo went the closest when he was sprung on a breakaway, but Toronto goalkeeper Clint Irwin denied him with a leg save. Toronto FC were granted many opportunities on the counter as the game went on. However, the Reds were not adept at finishing and kept the score line close.
Tsubasa Endoh has been thrust into the limelight after being drafted ninth-overall in the MLS SuperDraft just this year. He started the season opener and saw regular time until an injury sidelined him. Starting in place of the recently injured Jonathan Osorio, he took advantage of his opportunity as he exchanged many good plays with Giovinco. When asked about Endoh’s performance post game, Vanney smiled like a proud father.
“He’s got a massive engine and he’s very cleaver about seeing his runs. He’s technically proficient so when he gets the opportunity, he does well with them. Very pleased with him.”
While Endoh’s goal will steal the headlines, the contributions from Michael Bradley and Will Johnson were enormous. The midfield pair absolutely bossed the pitch by out-tackling, out possessing and out passing their opposition. Bradley set up the rhythm for the rest of the team to do damage on the offence.
Jozy Altidore created space for his teammates and also did a fine job in attack. However, he couldn’t open his goal scoring account for the season. Questioned about his lack of goals, Altidore was defiant as he said, “I did well last season. I had a slow start to this season in terms of injury. I’m here to win. It’s one thing to come here and score goals and lose. Would you rather that? I didn’t think so.”
The Reds maintain the best defensive record in MLS after their fourth clean sheet this season.
