Toronto FC Snaps Losing Skid with 2-1 Win Over DC United

Toronto FC snapped their losing skid as they picked up an important 2-1 win over D.C. United and secured the full three points at home. It was an excellent performance to Lorenzo Insigne, who looked like the gamebreaker that Toronto brought to MLS.

Toronto opened the scoring in the 14th minute off a set-piece play as Deandre Kerr headed the ball past D.C. goalkeeper Tyler Miller, to give his side the early lead.

Shortly after, TFC youngster Kobe Franklin came up big for his side as he tracked back and stopped a D.C. scoring opportunity off the counterattack to maintain the lead. Unfortunately for Toronto, midfielder Brandon Servania was forced to sub off moments later due to an apparent injury and was replaced by Kosi Thompson. 

Insigne and Mark-Anthony Kaye linked up quite well in the attack and provided the Reds another scoring opportunity to extend their lead in the 28th minute, but Kaye's shot was blocked. TFC had another great scoring opportunity in the 35th minute as Richie Laryea took advantage of the available space on the wing and delivered a cross pass to Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, but he struck the ball wide of the goal. 

TFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson made a timely save off a D.C. free kick in the 45th minute, which ensured that his club maintained the lead heading into halftime. Overall, it was a great effort by Toronto in the first half as they were able to score the first goal, remain tactically responsible, and continue taking risks offensively.

Understandably, D.C. responded well to begin the second half as they had pressure to score a goal. Insigne nearly added to Toronto's goal total in the 55th minute as he got a shot off on a cross-pass but it narrowly went over the crossbar.

There was a scary moment in the 61st minute as C.J. Sapong collided with Russell Canouse, which saw the D.C. midfielder take a nasty fall and needed to be subbed off.

TFC fans were treated to a magnificent moment from Insigne as he created a play from his end of the field that resulted in Toronto extending their lead in the 72nd minute. Laryea's cross-pass found its way to Insigne, who spotted Thompson with a cross-pass of his own as he made no mistake and struck the ball past Murray to extend the lead to 2-0. 

D.C. managed to get one goal back as Johnson, who made an initial save, was unable to control the rebound, leading to Christian Benteke getting a touch on the ball and putting in the back of the net. 

Bradley's side remained defensively sound and closed out the game. This is a positive sign as Toronto have not been fortunate in terms of maintaining leads late into matches. 

Federico Bernardeschi was out of the lineup due to a 'coach's decision' after the Italian voiced his frustration regarding the club's results and tactical form on the field. His comments were not well received by head coach Bob Bradley, and so he took action.

Photo Credit: Toronto FC (@TorontoFC - Twitter)