TORONTO – It was just what the doctor ordered for Toronto FC.
The Reds cruised to a 3-0 victory over Chivas USA on Sunday afternoon at BMO Field, picking up three points to end a six-game winless streak and put them within striking distance of the Eastern conference playoff field with a game in hand. Goals courtesy of Jackson, Luke Moore and Gilberto cemented a result in a match that was relatively one-sided from start to finish.
It didn’t take Toronto FC long to find the back of the net. In the 23rd minute, a bit of smart combination play from the home side saw Jackson open the scoring. Mark Bloom stuck a foot in on an intercepting pass, finding Jonathan Osorio in the middle, and Osorio slipped the ball to Gilberto, who in turn delivered a cheeky back-heel pass back to an onrushing Jackson.
The Brazilian winger took a few touches before smacking a deflected shot that beat Dan Kennedy for his fourth goal of the season.
Minutes later, Toronto FC doubled their lead via the foot of Moore. Michael Bradley swung a corner to the far edge of the box first-half stoppage time, and Nick Hagglund headed the ball back in front of goal. Moore swung his leg at close range, burying the ball into the back of the net with a volleyed effort to give Toronto FC a 2-0 lead at the half.
Not to be outdone by his strike partner, Gilberto got Toronto FC’s third of the day in the 54th minute after a Daniel Lovitz was flicked by Bradley toward Steven Caldwell in front of goal. Caldwell let the ball run past to Gilberto, whose easy tap-in gave Toronto it’s third of the day.
As the game winded down, bad blood boiled over on the right wing as Jackson and Nigel Reo-Coker resulted in two red cards.
The two players came to blows and referee Edvin Jurisevic sent them both off in the 67th minute. TFC head coach Greg Vanney made a tactical change, sending Warren Creavalle on for Jonathan Osorio, followed by Dominic Oduro coming on for Moore.
Vanney’s final change of the night was greeted with the loudest response as Dwayne De Rosario came into the match for Lovitz with 15 minutes to go. Chivas USA won a corner kick in the 83rd minute, a rare chance at goal which they converted into a shot that forced Joe Bendik to make a scrambling save.
But that would be as close as Chivas came, as Toronto FC walked away comfortable winners. The Reds next host the Portland Timbers at BMO Field on September 27, while Chivas USA visit the Seattle Sounders the same day.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/gilberto" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Gilberto</span></a> |
Set up Jackson with a sweet back heel then got himself in position for the third. That's now seven goals after a slow start. |
2 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/daniel-lovitz" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Daniel Lovitz</span></a> |
An effective marauder down the left flank. Set up his teammates and should have drawn a few more fouls in dangerous spots. |
3 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/michael-bradley" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Michael Bradley</span></a> |
Other than set pieces, not much attacking impact. That made sense, though, as Vanney deployed him as a No. 6. |
