Toronto FC Triumphs Over Austin FC in Crucial MLS Clash

TORONTO — In an exciting MLS matchup on Saturday, Toronto FC secured a pivotal 2-1 victory over Austin FC at BMO Field. The match marked Austin’s first visit to Toronto’s home ground, attracting a crowd of 25,538 eager fans. Both teams, positioned just outside the MLS playoff spots, were desperately seeking the three points on offer.

Toronto FC opened the scoring early, taking advantage of a counter-attack in the 7th minute. A long ball from Alonso Coello freed Deandre Kerr, whose opportunity was initially thwarted by a sliding Austin defender. However, Jonathan Osorio capitalized on the loose ball, delivering a remarkable rising shot past Austin’s goalkeeper Brad Stuver. This marked Osorio’s second goal of the season, bringing his total to 65 goals for Toronto FC in all competitions, behind only club legends Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore.

Osorio was crucial again in the 30th minute, finding Richie Laryea during another counter-attack. Laryea expertly outpaced his marker and provided a precise low cross to Kerr, who scored his third goal of the season.

Austin FC managed to reduce the deficit when teenage substitute Owen Wolff scored in the 76th minute. The 19-year-old, son of Austin’s head coach Josh Wolff, brilliantly controlled a long pass, outmaneuvered defender Raoul Petretta, and confidently finished past Toronto’s goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

With a nervy six minutes of stoppage time, Toronto FC managed to fend off Austin’s attempts to equalize. The win propelled Toronto to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, while Austin continued to struggle in the Western Conference, having won only one of their last six league games.

The match came with its share of challenges. Toronto’s Shane O’Neill and Austin’s Brendan Hines-Ike, Jhojan Valencia, and Sebastian Driussi received yellow cards, sidelining them for upcoming matches due to card accumulation.

Looking ahead, Toronto FC faces a demanding schedule with five games remaining, including crucial home fixtures against Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, and Inter Miami. Toronto aims to break a postseason drought since their last playoff appearance in 2020.