Photo: Ryan Johnson (left) and Danny Koevermans (centre) both scored in last two matches (Getty).
MONTREAL – Ryan Johnson and Danny Koevermans each scored a goal in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over the Montreal Impact, but Toronto FC head coach Paul Mariner found more to praise about the play of the forwards.
It was the way they played both ends of the pitch as Toronto earned their second league win of the season and their second clean sheet.
“Ryan Johnson and Danny Koevermans are unbelievable for us,” Mariner said after Wednesday’s game at Saputo Stadium. “I see Danny playing left back and Ryan clearing balls in the six-yard box. It’s a spectacular performance for us.”
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Johnson figured in all three goals, beginning with the foul he took that set up Torsten Frings’ goal from a free kick in the 52nd minute. About 20 minutes later, Johnson lofted a left-footed shot into the right corner for the second goal from the top of the box.
“I was looking for somebody to make that run,” the Jamaican international said. “The run wasn’t onside so I got the shot off as quick as I could and tried to bend it inside. It was a good shot.”
On the third goal, Johnson and defender Ashtone Morgan combined on a give-and-go that put Morgan into the clear on the left side before he fed Koevermans for the goal.
Hall available v. Red Bulls
Defender Jeremy Hall took a kick to the face on Hassoun Camara’s attempted bicycle kick near the top of the penalty area and later took a ball in the face on a cross by Lamar Neagle in the first half. He was replaced in the second half as a precaution.
“I didn’t see him,” Hall said of Camara, who received a yellow card on the play. “I saw the ball come in and I went in the air and the next thing I knew I was on the ground. I was a little bit scared because I thought it was my eye. I’m OK.”
Hall told MLSsoccer.com after the game he would be ready to play Saturday against the New York Red Bulls (Sportsnet Ontario & One, 7 p.m. ET).
NOTES: Toronto FC resumes training at Kia Training Ground in Downsview Park on Friday ... Training updates will be provided in real time on Twitter & Facebook ... In Reserve League, the match against D.C. United on October 6 has been moved to 4 p.m. The first team will still kick off 1 p.m. ET at BMO Field.
