TORONTO – Toronto FC lost its third game in a row, dropping a 2-1 home result against the New England Revolution, who captured their first-ever win at BMO Field in eight tries. Revs rookie Patrick Mullins was the hero, scoring his first career MLS goal and drawing the penalty kick that decided the match.
INTERVIEWS: Ryan Nelsen | Steven Caldwell | Jermain Defoe | Kyle Bekker | Doneil Henry | Mark Bloom | Justin Morrow
Despite the Reds opening the scoring in the first half, it was New England who walked away with all three points, a Lee Nguyen penalty in the 82nd minute separating the two sides.
HIGHLIGHTS: Jackson Opens The Scoring | Degree #DoMoreMoment: Cesar's Reaction Save | Defoe Almost Ties It | Gilberto's Late Header
Toronto FC struck early in the 6th minute as Brazilian winger Jackson drilled an audacious, low shot from 30 yards out that deflected off the foot of Revs defender AJ Soares and into the back of the net. Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth stood rooted to the spot as Toronto FC celebrated the surprise goal.
The two teams exchanged spells of possession, but in the 24th minute New England capitalized on a defensive mistake to equalize. Toronto centerback Doneil Henry gave the ball away with a misplaced pass that was intercepted by Daigo Kobayashi, who fed Mullins. The 22 year old, making only his second start of the year, then lashed a left-footed missile that beat goalkeeper Julio Cesar with a well-placed shot into the top corner.
The visitors looked at ease with prolonged passing spells, while Toronto were sloppy in possession as the teams entered the locker tied 1-1 at halftime. After the break Toronto took the intiative as the rain began to pour down on BMO Field.
TFC manager Ryan Nelsen made attack-minded subs, inserting wingers Alvaro Rey and Issey Nakajima-Farran, but it was New England coming away with the decisive goal eight minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty kick. Mullins fired a shot toward goal which was deflected in the box by Henry's raised arm and Revs PK specialist Nguyen easily beat Julio Cesar, who went the wrong way.
Toronto FC poured numbers forward late, but couldn’t find the back of the net despite hitting the post twice. Five minutes of added time were not enough and the Revs walked away from BMO Field with three points.
New England, who have won three of their last four matches, host the Seattle Sounders at Gillette Stadium on May 11. Meanwhile, Toronto FC, losers of four of their last five, next host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday in an Amway Canadian Championship semifinal first leg.
Scoring Summary
TFC – Jackson (Gilberto) ‘6
NE – Patrick Mullins (Daigo Kobayashi) ‘24
NE – Lee Nguyen (PK) ‘82
Misconduct Summary
TFC – Jackson ’43 (caution)
TFC – Michael Bradley ’58 (caution)
NE – Diego Fagundez ’75 (caution)
NE – Scott Caldwell ‘90+2 (caution)
Records:
Toronto FC: 3-4-0 9pts.
New England Revolution: 4-3-2 14pts.
Lineups
Toronto FC – Júlio César; Justin Morrow, Steve Caldwell ©, Doneil Henry, Mark Bloom (Dwayne De Rosario ’87); Jackson (Issey Nakajima-Farran ’78), Kyle Bekker (Álvaro Rey ’68), Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio; Gilberto, Jermain Defoe
Substitutes Not Used: Joe Bendik, Andrew Wiedeman, Nick Hagglund, Bradley Orr
New England Revolution – Bobby Shuttleworth; Darrius Barnes, A.J. Soares, Andrew Farrell, Kevin Alston (Chris Tierney ’35); Daigo Kobayashi (Scott Caldwell ‘57), Andy Dorman ©, Lee Nguyen, Diego Fagundez (Steve Neumann 77’), Patrick Mullins; Teal Bunbury
Substitutes Not Used: Brad Knighton, Stephen McCarthy, Jerry Bengtson, Charlie Davies
