Toronto FC dropped their season opener 3-2 away to D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday night. The team lost in dramatic fashion as Theodore Ku-Dipietro scored his first MLS goal in the 98th minute to get DC United over the line.
As expected, Toronto started five newcomers: Sean Johnson in goal plus three changes to the backline in Matt Hedges, Sigurd Rosted and Raoul Petretta and Norwegian international Adama Diomande to the front.
The match started poorly for TFC, as Mateusz Klich opened a 1-0 lead for DC United in the 13th minute with a sneaky low shot from the top of the box. Lorenzo Insigne was then forced off the field 34 minutes into the match after injuring his lower leg. It is still unclear as to how serious the injury will be going forward.
Toronto regrouped in the second half to pull level with United via a penalty shot in the 66th minute. Federico Bernardeschi converted on a foul committed by Richie Laryea in the box to bring the score to 1-1.
The Reds then went ahead in the 83rd minute off some Mark-Anthony Kaye acrobatics, forcing a rebound from a Bernardeschi free-kick into the net. Up 2-1 with only 7 minutes to go in regulation, TFC looked good to steal their season opener.
Unfortunately the Reds couldn’t hold on, letting in two quick ones, a header from Christian Benteke in the 90th minute and a beautiful finish from Theodore Ku-Dipietro in the 98th.
Despite the loss the Reds looked like they had made some serious strides from last year. The big news from the night going forward was the potential injury to star winger Lorenzo Insigne. Insigne was the highest-paid player in the league with his salary listed at US$14 million last season and is a crucial part of the TFC offense. Reds fans will be holding their breath as the team announced more details about the injury in the coming days.
Up Next for Toronto FC
TFC will be going up against Atlanta United next in another road game at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Georgia on March 4th. Atlanta won their season opener against San Jose, 2-1 and will be looking to build off the victory. Toronto FC on the other hand will be desperately looking to get a W and even out their win and loss columns.
If you’re thinking about placing sports bets on the upcoming TFC games, our list of the top MLS betting sites may be just what you need to get started. Check it out for all the best online sportsbooks in the province.
