Alejandro Pozuelo’s penalty kick goal was the highlight in a 2-2 draw between Toronto FC and the San Jose Earthquakes in the season opener.
Pozuelo’s goal came at the 40th minute in the first half, after taking a penalty in the box. The Reds midfielder is coming off a season in 2019 where he recorded 14 goals and 15 assists.
Alejandro Pozuelo Scores, Toronto FC Draws Season Opener 2-2
Richie Laryea also scored for the Reds (1-0). Toronto improved its season opener record to 5-7-2.
Andres Rios and Oswaldo Alanis responded with goals for the Earthquakes (0-1). San Jose’s historical record against Toronto is 6-5-6.
The Reds controlled the scoring chances in the first half, despite losing the possession battle 63%-37% to the Earthquakes. The Toronto midfielders were finding their strikers in open space, while the Reds defense was active in the box.
Pozuelo got pushed in the box late in the first half, en route to the Reds’ first goal.
In the 51st minute, Laryea recorded his first goal of the season off of a rebound caused by Tsubasa Endoh’s shot towards the San Jose net.
Rios cut the deficit to one goal in the 53rd minute, thanks to an assist by Cristian Espinoza. In the 95th minute, Alanis’ strike secured the draw between the Earthquakes and Reds.
Quentin Westberg of the Reds made three saves in the victory while Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega stopped two shots on target.
Both Michael Bradley (ankle surgery) and newly acquired left-winger Pablo Piatti (hamstring string) were out for the Reds in the season opener.
The Reds record against the Earthquakes has improved to 5-6-6. Toronto is looking to have another successful season, after making it to the MLS Cup Final last year.
Toronto FC will play its first home game of the season on Saturday, March 7th against New York City FC.
Main Photo: Alejandro Pozuelo registered his first goal of the season off of a penalty kick. (Getty Images)
