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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Toronto FC records rare home win, dispatches Portland Timbers 3-0 in MLS play
TORONTO — Missing nine players through injury and international commitments, Toronto FC managed a rare home win Saturday with a 3-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. Toronto (4-10-5) got goals from Alonso Coello and Tyrese Spicer plus an own goal in stoppage time to snap a five-game winless run (0-4-1) at home. Advertisement For coach Robin Fraser, who had not liked his team's lacklustre first-half showing mid-week before getting its act together in a 1-1 draw with the visiting New York Red Bulls, it was exactly the response he wanted to see. "We just said we can't let that go to waste," said Fraser. "The way we finished that (Red Bulls) game is the way we have to start this game. And I think undoubtedly they did. … It just felt like a really really good team performance." Portland, which had been off since June 13, didn't offer much resistance before an announced crowd of 22,445 on a pleasant evening at BMO Field. Portland coach Phil Neville did not mince words, calling it "probably one of the poorest performances in my whole managerial career." Advertisement "That game, from the first minute to the last minute, I thought it was totally unacceptable. I thought it was men versus boys. … A massive, massive kick up the backside for that group of players in there." It was a rare quiet night for Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who posted his fifth clean sheet of the season. TFC outshot the Timbers 13-4 (6-0 in shots on target) and had nine corners to Portland's three. Toronto was missing injured defenders Nicksoen Gomis, Kobe Franklin, Zane Monlouis and Henry Wingo, midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Markus Cimermancic and Italian star winger Federico Bernardeschi. Fullback/wingback Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores are away with Canada and Honduras, respectively, at the Gold Cup. Italian designated player Lorenzo Insigne, who did not make it off the bench Wednesday, did not even dress Saturday. The 34-year-old Italian, who has one goal and three assists this season, is the league's second-highest-paid player at US$15.4 million but apparently is surplus to requirements for a franchise that went into weekend play 28th in the 30-team league. Advertisement With players on loan and others going into option years, Fraser said the decision has been made to give others a chance to show what they've got. "The feeling from the club is that we need to certainly start to assess some of these players," said Fraser. "This was the situation today. It was just an opportunity to look at more of the younger players." Asked if Insigne will get to see action, Fraser said: "We'll reassess, as time goes on." After David Ayala took down Raoul Petretta outside the Portland penalty box in front of goal, Coello made the Timbers pay in the 11th minute with a fine free kick. Coello, whose set-piece deliveries have been a bright spot for Toronto this season, fired the ball past both the Portland wall and Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis for his second career MLS goal. Advertisement It was TFC's first goal from a direct free-kick since October 2021. Spicer made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, off a corner. Pantemis made a marvellous, lunging one-handed save to stop Kosi Thompson's header but the ball squibbed back to Spicer, who acrobatically lashed it home for his second of the season. Toronto added an insurance goal in stoppage time, with Derrick Etienne Jr.'s cross bouncing in off Portland defender Ian Smith with TFC forward Deandre Kerr nearby. Toronto went into weekend play in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, 11 points and five places below the final playoff position. Before Saturday, it had collected just five of a possible 33 points at home (1-7-3). Advertisement Portland (8-5-6) arrived in fourth place in the Western Conference, having lost just one of its last seven outings (3-1-3). It had not played since June 13 — a 1-1 draw with visiting San Jose that saw the Earthquakes score a 94th-minute equalizer. Fraser made three changes to his starting 11 with Sigurd Rosted, Thompson and Spicer slotting in. There wasn't much in reserve with the average age of the Toronto bench just 22, including TFC 2 defender Reid Fisher and midfielders Michael Sullivan and Malik Henry, all signed to short-term MLS agreements to make up the numbers. The Timbers had more of the ball in the first half with 59.5 per cent possession but did little with it, failing to register a shot. TFC had five shots, two on target. Portland winger Omir Fernandez had to leave in the 54th minute after going down awkwardly. Advertisement At the other end, Norwegian striker Ola Bryhildsen showed flashes of his attacking ability for Toronto while generally making a nuisance of himself to Portland defenders. Toronto winger Theo Corbeanu, who scored mid-week, and Portland fullback Jimer Fory had a spirited battle down the right flank. Portland was without injured defender Zac McGraw, midfielder Ariel Lassiter and forwards Jonathan Rodriguez and Antony, the team's leading scorer with six goals. Goalkeeper Max Crepeau and defender Kamal Miller are with Canada at the Gold Cup. Short on bodies, the Timbers had just six outfield players on its bench. Only five of TFC's remaining 15 games are at home. Toronto's next game is Thursday at New York City FC. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2025. Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Toronto FC secures rare home win, shuts out Portland Timbers with 3-0 score
Goals by Alonso Coello and Tyrese Spicer helped injury-depleted Toronto FC to a 3-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday, snapping a five-game winless run (0-4-1) at home. Toronto added an insurance goal in stoppage time, with Derrick Etienne Jr.'s cross bouncing in off Portland defender Ian Smith with TFC forward Deandre Kerr nearby. Despite missing nine players through injury and international duty, Toronto led the dance the entire evening before an announced crowd of 22,445 at BMO Field. It was a rare quiet night for Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who posted his fifth clean sheet of the season. Portland attempted just four shots, none on target, compared to 16 for Toronto (seven on target). It was a pleasant 22 Celsius, feeling like 24 C, at kickoff. And Toronto (4-10-5) showed some spring in its step to start, unlike mid-week when it had to rally from a dismal first half to tie the visiting New York Red Bulls 1-1. After David Ayala took down Raoul Petretta outside the Portland penalty box in front of goal, Coello made the Timbers pay in the 11th minute with a fine free kick. Coello, whose set-piece deliveries have been a bright spot for Toronto this season, fired the ball past both the Portland wall and Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis for his second career MLS goal. Spicer made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, off a corner. Pantemis made a marvellous, lunging one-handed save to stop Kosi Thompson's header but the ball squibbed back to Spicer, who acrobatically lashed it home for his second of the season. Toronto went into weekend play in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, 11 points and five places below the final playoff position. Before Saturday, it had collected just five of a possible 33 points at home (1-7-3). Portland (8-5-6) arrived in fourth place in the Western Conference, having lost just one of its last seven outings (3-1-3). It had not played since June 13 – a 1-1 draw with visiting San Jose that saw the Earthquakes score a 94th-minute equalizer. Toronto was missing injured defenders Nicksoen Gomis, Kobe Franklin, Zane Monlouis and Henry Wingo, midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Markus Cimermancic and Italian star winger Federico Bernardeschi. Fullback/wingback Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores are away with Canada and Honduras, respectively, at the Gold Cup. Italian designated player Lorenzo Insigne, who did not make it off the bench Wednesday, did not even dress Saturday. The 34-year-old Italian, who has one goal and three assists this season, is the league's second-highest-paid player at US$15.4 million but apparently is surplus to requirements for a franchise that went into weekend play 28th in the 30-team league. Coach Robin Fraser made three changes to his starting 11 with Sigurd Rosted, Thompson and Spicer slotting in. There wasn't much in reserve with the average age of the Toronto bench just 22, including TFC 2 defender Reid Fisher and midfielders Michael Sullivan and Malik Henry, all signed to short-term MLS agreements to make up the numbers. Portland winger Omir Fernandez had to leave in the 54th minute after going down awkwardly. The Timbers had more of the ball in the first half with 59.5 per cent possession but did little with it, failing to register a shot. TFC had five shots, two on target. At the other end, Norwegian striker Ola Bryhildsen showed flashes of his attacking ability for Toronto while generally making a nuisance of himself to Portland defenders. Toronto winger Theo Corbeanu, who scored mid-week, and Portland fullback Jimer Fory had a spirited battle down the right flank. Portland was without injured defender Zac McGraw, midfielder Ariel Lassiter and forwards Jonathan Rodriguez and Antony, the team's leading scorer with six goals. Goalkeeper Max Crepeau and defender Kamal Miller are with Canada at the Gold Cup. Short on bodies, the Timbers had just six outfield players on its bench. It was just the 12th league meeting between the two teams, with Toronto holding a 6-4-2 edge. They last met in 2022 when Toronto won 3-1 at home. TFC held a 5-1-0 edge over the Timbers at home, with the lone previous win at BMO Field a 2-1 decision in April 2019. Only five of TFC's remaining 15 games are at home. Toronto's next game is Thursday at New York City FC.
National Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Toronto FC records rare home win, dispatches Portland Timbers 3-0
TORONTO — Goals by Alonso Coello and Tyrese Spicer helped injury-depleted Toronto FC to a 3-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday, snapping a five-game winless run (0-4-1) at home. Article content Toronto added an insurance goal in stoppage time, with Derrick Etienne Jr.'s cross bouncing in off Portland defender Ian Smith with TFC forward Deandre Kerr nearby. Article content Article content Despite missing nine players through injury and international duty, Toronto led the dance the entire evening before an announced crowd of 22,445 at BMO Field. Article content It was a rare quiet night for Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who posted his fifth clean sheet of the season. Portland attempted just four shots, none on target, compared to 16 for Toronto (seven on target). Article content It was a pleasant 22 Celsius, feeling like 24 C, at kickoff. And Toronto (4-10-5) showed some spring in its step to start, unlike mid-week when it had to rally from a dismal first half to tie the visiting New York Red Bulls 1-1. Article content After David Ayala took down Raoul Petretta outside the Portland penalty box in front of goal, Coello made the Timbers pay in the 11th minute with a fine free kick. Coello, whose set-piece deliveries have been a bright spot for Toronto this season, fired the ball past both the Portland wall and Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis for his second career MLS goal. Article content Spicer made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, off a corner. Pantemis made a marvellous, lunging one-handed save to stop Kosi Thompson's header but the ball squibbed back to Spicer, who acrobatically lashed it home for his second of the season. Article content Toronto went into weekend play in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, 11 points and five places below the final playoff position. Before Saturday, it had collected just five of a possible 33 points at home (1-7-3). Article content Portland (8-5-6) arrived in fourth place in the Western Conference, having lost just one of its last seven outings (3-1-3). It had not played since June 13 — a 1-1 draw with visiting San Jose that saw the Earthquakes score a 94th-minute equalizer. Article content Article content Toronto was missing injured defenders Nicksoen Gomis, Kobe Franklin, Zane Monlouis and Henry Wingo, midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Markus Cimermancic and Italian star winger Federico Bernardeschi. Fullback/wingback Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores are away with Canada and Honduras, respectively, at the Gold Cup. Article content Italian designated player Lorenzo Insigne, who did not make it off the bench Wednesday, did not even dress Saturday. The 34-year-old Italian, who has one goal and three assists this season, is the league's second-highest-paid player at US$15.4 million but apparently is surplus to requirements for a franchise that went into weekend play 28th in the 30-team league.
CBC
4 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Canada scores 4 late goals to defeat Costa Rica 4-1 in women's soccer friendly in Toronto
Social Sharing A poor start turned into a happy ending Friday as late goals by Shelina Zadorsky, Holly Ward, Zara Chavoshi and Emma Regan lifted Canada to a 4-1 comeback win over a resolute Costa Rica in an international women's friendly Friday in Toronto. The goals came in the 70th, 74th, 82nd and 86th minute as the eighth-ranked Canadians finally found an answer for No. 43 Costa Rica. And they offered a glimpse of things to come with a first Canada goal for Chavoshi and Regan, a second for Ward and a senior debut for under-20 captain Annabelle Chukwu, an 18-year-old star in the making. A small but enthusiastic crowd announced at 10,105 cheered Canada on at BMO Field. But while the Canadian women had 81 per cent possession in the first half, they were unable to unlock the Costa Rican defence and went into the break trailing 1-0. "I wasn't pleased with our first-half performance at all," said Canada coach Casey Stoney, flanked by her two daughters. "I thought we turned the ball over in silly areas, made technical errors, didn't keep enough positional discipline which kind of played into their hands a little bit." WATCH l Canada beats Costa Rica in Toronto: Canadian women's soccer team defeats Costa Rica in friendly 10 hours ago Duration 1:16 Down by a goal after the opening half, Canada scores four times in the second half to defeat Costa Rica 4-1 at BMO Field in Toronto. Some changes in style of play and talent from the bench helped turn the tide. "Real character in the second half. We really committed to what we wanted to do. First half not good enough," said Stoney. The Canadians now head to Washington, D.C., for a stiffer test against the top-ranked U.S. on Wednesday. "We've got a much tougher test on (Wednesday). It's a whole another level of opponent we're playing," said Stoney. "If we don't start well, we could come unstuck." Some desperate Costa Rican defending and errant Canadian attacking preserved the Costa Rican lead until the 70th minute when Zadorsky, from the penalty spot, ended the Canada misfiring. It was goal No. 7 in 112 appearances for the veteran centre back. Substitute Mimi Alidou won the penalty, taken down by Costa Rican defender Fabiola Villalobos. Ward made it 2-1 in the 74th minute, turning and curling in a lovely shot after Chukwu, who has scored a Canadian-record 39 goals in 42 youth internationals, headed a Jade Rose cross her way. It was a second goal in three appearances for Ward, a 21-year-old Vancouver Rise forward who became the first Northern Super League player to score for Canada — in the 3-1 win over Haiti on June 3 in Montreal. Chavoshi made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute, heading home a corner for her first Canada goal in her second appearance. Regan, with an elegant shot from just outside the penalty box, padded the lead in the 86th minute. "I thought we scored some good goals," said Stoney. "I thought we could have created more." Costa Rica's Maria Paula Salas opened the scoring against the run of play in the 27th minute off a free kick. Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan failed to get a hand to the well-flighted delivery from captain Katherine Alvarado, allowing an unmarked Salas to head the ball home at the far post. Chavoshi committed the foul that led to the free kick, pulling back Priscila Chinchilla after the Costa Rican attacker nutmegged her just outside the Canadian penalty box. The goal prompted a Canadian team huddle in front of goal, one of several on the night. Canada had won all 17 previous meetings with Costa Rica, outscoring the Central Americans 52-6. But they needed a 104th-minute goal to win 1-0 the last time they met, in March 2024 in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in Los Angeles. Canada had blanked Costa Rica 3-0 in the group stage at the tournament. Strong lineup Stoney fielded a strong lineup that included Sheridan, Zadorsky, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Adriana Leon, Evelyne Viens and Julia Grosso. In all, the starters had a combined 756 caps going into the game. Canada could have had three goals in first-half stoppage time with headers from Leon and Zadorsky and a Fleming shot all missing the target. Costa Rica lost midfielder Alexandra Pinell to an injury just before the break. Canada outshot Costa Rica 8-3 (3-2 in shots on target) in the first half. Canada, which improved to 6-1-1 under Stoney, was missing injured defenders Kadeisha Buchanan, Sydney Collins and Jayde Riviere, and forwards Olivia Smith and Cloe Lacasse.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Canada scores four late goals to defeat Costa Rica 4-1 in women's soccer friendly
Canada's Evelyne Viens, right, tries to reach a cross as Costa Rica goalkeeper Noella Bermudez and Fabiola Villalobos look on during first half international women's friendly soccer action in Toronto, on Friday, June 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young TORONTO — A poor start turned into a happy ending Friday as late goals by Shelina Zadorsky, Holly Ward, Zara Chavoshi and Emma Regan lifted Canada to a 4-1 comeback win over a resolute Costa Rica in an international women's friendly Friday. The goals came in the 70th, 74th, 82nd and 86th minute as the eighth-ranked Canadians finally found an answer for No. 43 Costa Rica. And they offered a glimpse of things to come with a first Canada goal for Chavoshi and Regan, a second for Ward and a senior debut for under-20 captain Annabelle Chukwu, an 18-year-old star in the making. A small but enthusiastic crowd announced at 10,105 cheered Canada on at BMO Field. But while the Canadian women had 81 per cent possession in the first half, they were unable to unlock the Costa Rican defence and went into the break trailing 1-0. 'I wasn't pleased with our first-half performance at all,' said Canada coach Casey Stoney, flanked by her two daughters. 'I thought we turned the ball over in silly areas, made technical errors, didn't keep enough positional discipline which kind of played into their hands a little bit.' Some changes in style of play and talent from the bench helped turn the tide. 'Real character in the second half. We really committed to what we wanted to do. First half not good enough,' said Stoney. The Canadians now head to Washington, D.C., for a stiffer test against the top-ranked U.S. on Wednesday. 'We've got a much tougher test on (Wednesday). It's a whole another level of opponent we're playing,' said Stoney. 'If we don't start well, we could come unstuck.' Some desperate Costa Rican defending and errant Canadian attacking preserved the Costa Rican lead until the 70th minute when Zadorsky, from the penalty spot, ended the Canada misfiring. It was goal No. 7 in 112 appearances for the veteran centre back. Substitute Mimi Alidou won the penalty, taken down by Costa Rican defender Fabiola Villalobos. Ward made it 2-1 in the 74th minute, turning and curling in a lovely shot after Chukwu, who has scored a Canadian-record 39 goals in 42 youth internationals, headed a Jade Rose cross her way. It was a second goal in three appearances for Ward, a 21-year-old Vancouver Rise forward who became the first Northern Super League player to score for Canada — in the 3-1 win over Haiti on June 3 in Montreal. Chavoshi made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute, heading home a corner for her first Canada goal in her second appearance. Regan, with an elegant shot from just outside the penalty box, padded the lead in the 86th minute. 'I thought we scored some good goals,' said Stoney. 'I thought we could have created more.' Costa Rica's Maria Paula Salas opened the scoring against the run of play in the 27th minute off a free kick. Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan failed to get a hand to the well-flighted delivery from captain Katherine Alvarado, allowing an unmarked Salas to head the ball home at the far post. Chavoshi committed the foul that led to the free kick, pulling back Priscila Chinchilla after the Costa Rican attacker nutmegged her just outside the Canadian penalty box. The goal prompted a Canadian team huddle in front of goal, one of several on the night. Canada had won all 17 previous meetings with Costa Rica, outscoring the Central Americans 52-6. But they needed a 104th-minute goal to win 1-0 the last time they met, in March 2024 in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in Los Angeles. Canada had blanked Costa Rica 3-0 in the group stage at the tournament. Stoney fielded a strong lineup that included Sheridan, Zadorsky, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Adriana Leon, Evelyne Viens and Julia Grosso. In all, the starters had a combined 756 caps going into the game. Canada could have had three goals in first-half stoppage time with headers from Leon and Zadorsky and a Fleming shot all missing the target. Costa Rica lost midfielder Alexandra Pinell to an injury just before the break. Canada outshot Costa Rica 8-3 (3-2 in shots on target) in the first half. Canada, which improved to 6-1-1 under Stoney, was missing injured defenders Kadeisha Buchanan, Sydney Collins and Jayde Riviere, and forwards Olivia Smith and Cloé Lacasse. Friday's game was a special 'Pride Celebration' match, the third in as many years for the Canadian women who wore a special kit featuring Pride-themed numbers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025 Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
