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Posted by
Mat Rooney,
June 19, 2016 |
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Mat Rooney
On Twitter:
@Canucks_Abroad
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For the first time since 2008 Toronto FC have defeated the L.A. Galaxy at BMO Field! After a rather evenly matched, and at times boring first half, Toronto took control and applied maximum pressure, and got the game winner from an unlikely combination of players.
Fortress BMO!!!!
The Opening 45
Toronto and L.A. found themselves largely engaging in a midfield dual in the first half with both sides looking strong. Tsubasa Endoh and Benoit Cheyrou looked especially strong for Toronto. But L.A.'s gritty defense neutralized both Sebastian Giovinco and Jordan Hamilton.
While L.A. was held off the score board, the game could have easily been 1-0 but Sebastian Lletget blasted a great chance wide.
The Second Half
Despite their strong first half performance, L.A.'s defense broke down. While Brian Rowe was able to keep likes of Cheyrou and Giovinco out of the net, it was clear that the pleasure was getting to him and in the 76th minute Toronto's defense gave Toronto the offense they had been looking for. Drew Moor was able to head a pass from Eriq Zavaleta, which flew pass both Ashley Cole and Rowe, giving Toronto the lead with what might be the first centre-back to centre-back goal in Toronto history (DM Cheyrou got everything going as well).
L.A. applied a great deal of pressure late in the game, but thanks to some clever keeping by Clint Irwin and fast defending by Steven Beitashour, they were unable to get a tying goal, giving Toronto a much-needed home win and first home win against L.A. since 2008.
Man of the Match
Benoît Cheyrou
Cheyrou has been very strong lately, and this game was truly a reminder of how good he is both defensively and offensively. He put things in motion on Moor's goal and had a pair of good chances himself to find the back of the net.
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