The 2016 MLS Chipotle Homegrown game saw the MLS team fall 2-0 to the Mexican National U-20 team.
Former MLS MVP Landon Donovan coached and selected the squad, which featured Homegrown designated players from 13 different MLS clubs.
Toronto FC was well represented with both Jordan Hamilton and Jay Chapman earning the start for Donovan’s squad. For Chapman, this was his second time representing TFC in this match, playing 45 minutes as a second half substitute in last year's game. For Hamilton, it was his first time participating in the game.
Both teams exchanged chances in the opening stages and MLS keeper Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas) made a number of impressive stops to keep the game level.
Hamilton had the first major chance for the MLS side. A bouncing ball found the Scarborough native just inside the 18-yard box, but he was unable to get his all behind the shot.
Mexico would strike first after Coy Craft (FC Dallas) took down a streaking Luiz Marquez in the box. Marquez’s penalty kick just sneaked in over an outstretched Gonzalez to make it 1-0 for El Tri.
The best chance of the half would come from a beautiful combination play from the TFC teammates. Chapman made a terrific run from the midfield to find some space at the top of the box. He then fed a perfect pass to Hamilton just to the left of the goal. Hamilton’s strike would trickle just past the far post.
Chapman and Hamilton nearly link up for the equalizer in San Jose. #TFCLive#ChipotleHomegrownpic.twitter.com/WPHsu2cNMA
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) July 28, 2016
Right after the Hamilton chance, the Mexican side would strike again after Marquez sent in a swinging free kick, misjudged by the MLS defence, directly into the net.
Hamilton and Chapman were both subbed out at the beginning of the second half.
The second half would again see both teams trade multiple chances. The best opportunity for the MLS team came from Raul Mendiola (LA Galaxy), who broke in through the Mexico defence and had an open shot from about the penalty spot, but his left footed shot was well over the crossbar.
Marquez was named the player of the game following his two-goal performance.
The All-Star festivities will conclude tomorrow night when Sebastian Giovinco and the MLS All-Stars take on English side Arsenal. Kickoff is set for 7:30 ET [TSN | RDS | MLS Live].
