Toronto FC picked up their first point of the MLS regular season after drawing with Atlanta United on the road yesterday. While the home team had a majority of the possession and scoring opportunities, TFC were able to hold off Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Arena thanks to some great goalkeeping by Sean Johnson.
Johnson was able to stop five shots on goal, coming to his side’s rescue on a number of close calls. Toronto’s backline also played well, managing to keep Atlanta United scoreless during the first half and only letting in one goal in the second.
TFC were without star forward Lorenzo Insigne, who was injured in the team’s home opener against DC United. The offense looked shaky without their ace, struggling to create many dangerous attacks and finishing the night with only 4 shots on goal.
Fortunately for Toronto, Federico Bernardeschi was able to get them a goal ahead in the 52nd minute after collecting a long pass from Michael Bradley to move in-field and place a low shot to the near-post. The celebration didn’t last too long however, as Atlanta struck back in the 60th, when Matheus Rossetto’s shot from the edge of the box deflected inside the left-post.
Atlanta came close to getting a game-winner when Giorgos Giakoumakis was able to sink one in the back of the net, but the play was called back as Juanjo Purata was deemed offside in the buildup.
TFC now have the single point after their first two games of the MLS season. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference but have a long way to go. Based on their play so far, the defense looks to be much improved from last season whereas the offense has taken some heavy blows through injury. Both Insigne and striker Adam Diomande have pulled up with injuries.
Who’s Next for TFC?
Next on the docket for Toronto will be Columbus in their home opener at the BMO Field, scheduled for Saturday, March 11. Columbus split their first two games, losing their season opener to Philadelphia 4-1 and then bouncing back to beat DC United 2-0 this weekend.
Betting on Toronto FC in the 2023 MLS Season
With only a couple of games in the books, there are still a number of great betting opportunities available for TFC fans. If you plan on betting on any of the upcoming matches, make sure that you read through our list of the top MLS bookmakers.
