Jordan Hamilton, Toronto FC Cannot Finish, Draw D.C. United

This match was all Toronto from start to finish, with Alejandro Pozuelo and Hamilton linking up early and often. Nick DeLeon, who only played in the first half, was involved in linkup play as well.

On the other side, D.C. United went full Benny Ball. Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta subbed in in the second half. United clearly came to The Six for a 0-0 draw. That’s exactly what they got.

The best chance of the first half came in the 33rd minute. A cross into the box was headed in front of goal by DeLeon. Hamilton got a touch to it but the shot went off the crossbar and was cleared. Hamilton fell to the ground in frustration. The half ended scoreless with him and Pozuelo getting several excellent looks from inside the box.

The Reds went on to get 12 shots on goal, 10 blocked, and had 10 corners in the game. The best chance in the second half came in the 47th minute off a corner. Auro shot first time on a low cross at the top of the box. The ball went off the crossbar and out of bounce.

Some offensive subs stabilized things a bit for the visitors. They still remained compact defensively and looked to counter with Rooney and Paul Arriola. The match ended in a scoreless draw.

Three Takeaways:

Altidore absence: DP striker Jozy Altidore is still out of the lineup for Vanney. His quality was certainly missing in this game, as Toronto had many chances but could not score. Hamilton must be kicking himself after this game.

Benny Ball: D.C. United played ugly soccer. It was defensive. It was unexciting. It was safe. It was also effective.

Back at it this weekend: Both sides will have a chance to forget tonight. TFC head to Real Salt Lake to try and get a road result. United also play on Saturday, at Houston Dynamo for another tough road game.