Toronto FC 1-2 Sunderland AFC
Justin Morrow didn’t even watch the game from the stands after being substituted. He just resorted to starting his strength training routine after half-time. The fans were so quiet that every player on the field could be heard. It was that type of a night at BMO Field on Wednesday, where Toronto FC faced off against Sunderland. There were maybe 8,000 fans in the 30,000 seater stadium.
Yes, that Sunderland, public enemy #1, Jermain Defoe’s side.
Sunderland were in town as part of their preseason tour in preparation for the Premier League season. Coming off a loss to NASL side Sacramento Republic, the performance Sunderland put forth wasn’t anything resembling a top-tier English side.
While rust can be blamed on their dreadful play, the lack of ability to pass a ball and create a build-up must be worrying for a team who barely escaped relegation last summer.
On the other hand, Toronto carried the play for large periods of the night. Even after much of the starting line-up was taken off within the first half an hour, the likes of young players Jay Chapman, Molham Babouli and Adam Bouchard were brilliant. Bouchard demonstrated mobility and reliability in the heart of defense. Molham Babouli fired many shots from distance that bothered Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon. Chapman and Chris Mannella moved the ball smartly in the middle of the park, and even young Jordan Hamilton got 15 minutes of game time.
Obviously the final result does not reflect as good a performance by Toronto. Jonathan Osorio put Toronto up by a goal after ending his goal drought just after half time. Jermain Defoe came back to haunt his former team by scoring Sunderland’s two goals. Osorio and Defoe were named players of the game.
Defoe’s first goal was a deflected shot that found the bottom right corner of Alex Bono’s net. His second goal was a neat empty net finish. Bono, Toronto’s first round pick from the draft, was tested early by Adam Johnson’s 20 yard powerful volley; which he dove well to save. Bono had a solid performance in net.
Unfortunately the night wasn’t as great for Bright Dike. Known as a former top prospect, injury troubles had resigned Dike to playing NASL football this season and being frozen out of the first team. The Nigerian was given an opportunity to impress, but failed to get a foothold in the game.
All in all, it was a good day at the office for Vanney’s men as they made the jersey proud with their determination and effort. Defoe was also left impressed by the home side post game, saying,”I think the first half they looked really good, they moved the ball really well..and the second half it was nice to see some of the younger players who I saw a little bit of.. to see them come on.”
Asked if he had a message for Toronto’s fans, something to clear the air for the fashion he left the team with, Defoe said,”Everything happened so quick. When I got the phone call to come (join TFC), it was my decision. I decided to come here to be a part of something special. Things happened.. I had a really bad injury but at the time I didn’t know, so things happen but at the same time. I enjoyed my time here, the fans were great.”
Can we ever see Defoe back in MLS in the future?
“You never know, it’s football. I’m dedicated to Sunderland, it’s a fantastic club with special fans.. You never know, you see what happens. I still enjoy playing football. My legs are good.”
Also, Jermain apparently still catches every game on the ‘tele while sipping on tea and dipping tea biscuits.
Toronto FC face off against the Columbus Crew in a vital match. With Columbus hot on the heels of Toronto in the standings, a positive result is required to keep them infront.
