Toronto FC Academy returned to CSL competition Saturday evening against a resurgent Toronto Croatia team that is slowly moving up the standings. Their march continued with a 3-1 win over the Academy, ending the Reds’ eight-game unbeaten run.

Academy head coach Jason Bent said of the loss, “Toronto Croatia played a very solid game. They really had no weaknesses that we could exploit tonight and certainly took their opportunities well.”

Bent’s Senior Academy team has also been rocked by losing players to scholastic competition.

“Our numbers are depleted as we have lost players to International duty, U.S. Scholarships and injury but I am not complaining as players are getting opportunities to move on and gain more experience.”

Toronto Croatia opened the scoring when a fortuitous clearance rebounded off a TFC defender and ast the helpless Garrett Cyprus in goal at the 24th minute.

The visitors increased their lead only six minutes later. A corner kick was flicked on at the near post where it was met by midfielder Tomislav Leko. He headed in at the back post for a 2-0 Toronto Croatia lead going into the halftime.

After the break TFC started to threaten and a breakthrough arrived when Nicholas Lindsay rose well at the back post to head the ball on target which was saved by Sandi Matika in goal.  The rebound dropped favorably and Lindsay reacted quickly to strike the ball into goal, pulling one back for TFC.

Toronto Croatia restored their two goal advantage minutes later when a TFC midfielder played an errant pass.  Opposition marksman Tihomir Matletic reacted quickly to the ball before rounding Cyprus and slotting into the empty goal, making it 3-1.

TFC had another couple of opportunities, first with a good combination play between Lindsay and Janniere but the speedy winger failed to hit the target after Lindsay released him on a breakaway. Ashtone Morgan had a chance in injury time when he sprinted 60 yards to get on the end of a cross but unfortunately Matika saved his first effort, the second attempt was cleared off the line by a recovering Croatia defender.

“Our 8 game unbeaten run is over but we are pleased that we are at the right end of the table. We had some very good individual performances tonight.”

Despite a less experienced squad than before due to players taking university scholarships, Bent remains upbeat.

“The remainder of the squad now has opportunities to show their worth so I am excited about the challenge ahead of us now.”