Toronto FC (5W-13L-14T, 29 points) extended the longest tie streak in Major League Soccer history with a dramatic 2-2 road draw against Chicago Fire FC (15W-11L-7T, 52 points) on Saturday evening, courtesy of Djordje Mihailovic’s late equalizer at Soldier Field.
Toronto FC Head Coach Robin Fraser made a pair of changes from last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Inter Miami CF with Hometown pair Kobe Franklin and Deandre Kerr coming in for Raoul Petretta and Theo Corbeanu.
TFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson continued his stellar run of form in his 16th Major League Soccer season, coming up big with three crucial saves inside the opening 45 minutes in the Windy City. Fresh off a five-save, Man of the Match performance against Inter Miami last weekend, Johnson showcased his sharpness once again, denying early efforts from Brian Gutiérrez, Hugo Cuypers and Sergio Oregel in quick succession to keep the hosts at bay.
The Reds broke the deadlock through a well-executed counter-attack sparked by their veteran shot-stopper in the 28th minute. After safely collecting Philip Zinckernagel’s in-swinging corner for Chicago, Johnson ignited the break with a quick throw to Richie Laryea, who drove into the opposing half before slipping the ball wide to Derrick Etienne Jr. on the left flank. The Haitian international’s low driven cross into the danger area forced Fire defender Jack Elliott into an own goal, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead.
Chicago Fire drew level in the 71st minute when Jack Elliott rose highest to head home Philip Zinckernagel’s out-swinging corner, making it 1-1.
A minute after entering the match in the 83rd minute, TFC winger Theo Corbeanu was brought down in the box by Jack Elliott in the box, prompting referee Timothy Ford to point to the penalty spot. However, following protests from the hosts and an on-field review, the call was overturned, with Ford ruling there was no tripping offence on the play.
Down the other end, the Fire capitalized late through the same pairing, as Zinckernagel’s free-kick delivery found Elliott again, whose diving header gave Chicago the lead in the 89th minute.
Late drama unfolded deep into stoppage time as Norwegian defender Sigurd Rosted was clipped by Jonathan Bamba in the box in the 98th minute, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot once again.
Facing the club where he began his MLS career and spent four seasons, Djordje Mihailovic stepped up for the Reds from 12 yards. His initial effort was saved by Chicago goalkeeper Chris Bradey, before the American midfielder reacted quickest to bury the rebound with an emphatic finish.
The goal marked Mihailovic’s second in as many matches and his fifth goal contribution (two goals, three assists) since joining TFC in August.
Mihailovic’s 100th-minute equalizer proved enough to secure a share of the points in an action-packed 2-2 draw, extending the Reds’ unbeaten run and the longest tie streak in MLS history to eight.
Toronto FC continue their two-game road trip with a visit to the City of Angels to face Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, October 8. Kick-off from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California is set for 10:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
LINEUPS
CHICAGO FIRE FC – Christopher Brady; Joel Waterman, Jack Elliott (C), Sam Rogers (Johnny Dean 61’); Maren Haile-Selassie, Mauricio Pineda (Rominigue Kouamé 61’), Sergio Oregel (Dje D’Avilla 46’), Brian Gutiérrez (Jonathan Bamba 46’); Philip Zinckernagel, Andrew Gutman, Hugo Cuypers (Tom Barlow 81’)
Substitutes Not Used: Jeffrey Gal, Justin Reynolds, Christopher Cupps, Kellyn Acosta
TORONTO FC – Sean Johnson; Kobe Franklin, Sigurd Rosted, Kosi Thompson, Richie Laryea; Alonso Coello, José Cifuentes (Maxime Dominguez 70’), Djordje Mihailovic, Jonathan Osorio (C); Deandre Kerr (Theo Corbeanu 83’), Derrick Etienne Jr. (Lazar Stefanovic 64’)
Substitutes Not Used: Luka Gavran, Markus Cimermancic, Malik Henry, Jules-Anthony Vilsaint
MEDIA NOTES
- Djordje Mihailovic recorded his fifth goal contribution (two goals, three assists) in eight matches since joining Toronto FC in August.
- TFC recorded their eighth consecutive draw since August 9, extending the longest tie streak in Major League Soccer history.
