Toronto proved to be a successful party for these Wall Street titans by way of their first clash with San Diego FC. The Canadians, away from home, scored a vital goal through a 20th-minute penalty by Theo Corbeanu.
A win for San Diego FC would have ensured its complete domination, given all the superficial expositions for Toronto. The Reds entered this game with no wins in seven, whereas San Diego FC sat atop the Western Conference table.
Anyway, the unpredictability of the beautiful game lately has kept many of us interested. Corbeanu’s assured finish from the spot saw an optimistic Toronto fighting hard for a rare win in their otherwise difficult season, standing at 5-11-6.
Toronto spoil San Diego’s debut as Corbeanu’s 20th-minute penalty stuns Wall Street-backed giants.
What turned the match for Toronto FC?
At 19 minutes, came the hour of reckoning. Corbeanu made his way to the San Diego box and was clipped by an opposition defender.
Almost immediately, the referee, Ismail Elfath, pointed to the spot. There was a very brief VAR check, but no intervention was performed.
Corbeanu walked up to take the penalty. He blasted it with great composure and precision into the top-right corner, way out of reach of Pablo Sisniega.
That was Corbeanu’s second goal of the season, but more importantly, it was now something for Toronto to hold on to from here.
Tensions rise as Dreyer confronts the referee following Toronto’s controversial penalty decision.
Did San Diego FC dominate the stats?
San Diego FC entered the match with and maintained superior statistics. They enjoyed 67% possession and outshot the Canadians 7-4. However, one shot landed on target.
Pushing hard in the second half remains insufficient for the San Diego attack, lacking offensive sharpness. The final pass was going astray far too often.
Johnson had little time to know what was coming for him, but he stayed alert. He made the only save he was asked to make and retained a pristine goal.
Toronto’s defence stood tall under pressure
Following the goal by Corbeanu, Toronto FC sat deep, sat back, and set two banks tightly, waiting to counter.
That may not have been aesthetically pleasing. But it did work. Every single cross was cleared. Every single run from San Diego was resisted.
The line went perfectly under the leadership of Hedges and Mabika. The midfield three absorbed pressure, made blocks, and quickly closed down space.
Even with the fresh legs introduced for San Diego, they remained unable to find a key to unlock the defence.
How important was this win for Toronto FC?
Toronto FC had not won in its previous seven matches. Pressure was building on the players as well as the coaching staff. The win generated some belief and momentum. Taking down the best team in the West on the road is not something that just happens.
Toronto has 5 wins, 11 losses, and 6 draws on its record, just outside the playoff picture. Coach John Herdman praised the team’s resilience. “We needed this. It wasn’t about being flashy. It was about being focused,” said Herdman after the match.
Frustration flares as Toronto FC edges out San Diego FC in hard-fought 1-0 victory.
San Diego FC still sit top – but only just
Despite the defeat, San Diego FC remains atop the Western Conference but is left with a paper-thin advantage in its grasp. With their 23 matches giving them a total of 42 points, they sit a mere one point ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Their home record had been a fortress. But this result brings up that question again. Can San Diego deal with pressure as a top team? Their attack, usually clinical, was so out of rhythm. Landon Donovan, the coach, admitted that his team was lacking a cutting edge.
What comes next for both clubs?
Toronto FC will be filled with great confidence heading into their next contest. Returning home after a tiring road trip, they entertain the lowly opposition for a second consecutive victory.
The San Diegoers have no time to hang about. They must travel up to Vancouver for a match that ponders which side should hold first position in the Western Conference.
A reaction will be wished for by fans. Since one loss never outlines a season, it sure can reveal some cracks.
Match Summary
- Match: Toronto vs San Diego FC
- Score: Toronto FC 1, San Diego FC 0
- Goal: Theo Corbeanu 20′ pen
- Possession: San Diego FC 67%, Toronto FC 33%
- Shots: San Diego 7 (1 on target), Toronto 4 (1 on target)
- Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
- Referee: Ismail Elfath
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Final Thoughts
The other side pulled a result a few expected. They held their nerves, and while they had to execute a plan the strength of which they had never put to the test, they somehow held and stunned San Diego FC in the process.
It may only be three points on paper. But for a team like Toronto FC, this victory really should change the momentum of their season.
