Toronto FC Junior Academy won their Quarterfinal match 2-1 over division rivals Portugal FC in CSL Reserve action on Saturday night in Maple.
The match was fierce and well contested, with both teams having chances to win the game. But it was the inexperienced Junior Academy boys that came out on top with second half goals by rising midfielder Sergio Camargo and striker Jalen Brome to reverse a 1-0 deficit.
At the 11th minute Portugal FC’s Andrea Lombardo was released in behind TFC’s backline and had a shot that missed TFC keeper Chad Bush’s far post. Seven minutes later, Portugal livewire Omari Morris attempted his luck when he cut in from the left flank and curled a shot that Bush was forced to push over the bar.
TFC Junior Academy started to influence the match with their passing game, and Camargo seemed to be at the heart of their attack. He forced Portual goalkeeper Quillan Robert into a save from 25 yards in the first half, signaling his intention in this contest.
Toronto's Marcus Lees then cut in from the right flank and onto his favored left foot before striking a shot that Robert pushed around the post for corner kick. The half ended 0-0 as both teams were limited to long range strikes for in an evenly played opening period.
After the interval Portugal introduced their speedy winger Jarek Whiteman as well as striker Massimo Mirabeli who both play regularly for their 1st team. It didn't take long for Whiteman to get a good chance as he got behind the TFC defence with his pace. He had only Bush to beat in goal but his effort to dribble around the keeper was stopped by a pair of outstretched arms from the TFC man.
Portugal got the breakthrough that they were looking for at the 62nd minute when Morris created space for himself on the left flank and swung in an inviting cross that central midfielder Rafael Reynolds headed past Bush, giving TFC opponents the 1-0 lead.
The game took a different complexion when the young Reds started to dictate the pace with the increased possession but it was not until the 74th minute that their territorial advantage was rewarded.
Michael Bilak was fouled from behind just outside the box and the referee awarded a direct free kick. Camargo stepped up and curled an unstoppable shot over the wall and past a ranging Quillan Roberts to level the score 1-1.
Both teams continued to push forward in the latter stages of the match in end-to-end action. Junior Academy striker Brome in the 88th minute found himself in the right spot at the right time, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to fire home the 2-1 go-ahead goal.
TFC were forced to defend against a number of balls into their are as Portugal desperately tried to get an equalizer. Whiteman had an excellent opportunity in injury time as he had a free header from six-yards that just went over the crossbar.
The referee blew the final whistle and TFC Junior Academy celebrated a fantastic win in what was a well played and entertaining match.
Junior Academy Assistant Coach Ian McClurg was happy with the team's progress saying, "Saturday’s game against Portugal FC was a good test for the Junior Academy boys. They played against more experienced opponents and were able to impose their attacking style of play on the game."
"The first goal in any playoff game is important yet the boys were able to stay composed (after conceding), make the necessary adjustments on the field and go on to win the game 2-1 after being a goal down."
"This was an important step in their development and provided them with more experience in how to successfully manage game situations."
