Toronto FC picked up their fourth win in a row with a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution on Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, lifting them into the lead for the Supporters' Shield race, overtaking former leaders Columbus Crew SC.
TFC and the Revs switched stretches of possession throughout the first half, though Toronto showed their intent early on when Ayo Akinola found his way into a mostly empty penalty area and sent the ball just wide of the goal.
The Revolution bounced back with a number of shots midway through the first half, but their momentum was quashed when Akinola scored the game's lone goal in the 28th minute. Akinola won the ball and made a run towards the penalty area, colliding with defender Andrew Farrell on the way in a moment the referee did not consider a foul. In the end, Akinola easily beat goalkeeper Matt Turner for a 1-0 scoreline.
The Revolution got their best chance at an equalizer when Nguyen was fouled in the box in the 68th minute and the referee awarded the hosts a penalty. However, the opportunity was squandered as Adam Buksa sent the ball over the crossbar.
New England continued to spend the second half in search of an equalizer, recording eight total shots and five on target in the second half. It was a mostly defensive effort for Toronto in the last 45 minutes, recording only two shots and one on target in that time. The defensive display was enough, though, to get them another three points as they continue to make their case as MLS's best team in 2020.
Goals
- 29' — TOR — Ayo Akinola | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Toronto FC can take pride in the defensive effort against the Revolution, because it was their key to success on a night their attack was not at its sparkling best. As for the Revolution, they may have deserved more than a 1-0 loss, but will naturally wring their hands over a possible foul the referee didn't call on Ayo Akinola's goal and the penalty missed by Adam Buksa in the second half.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: It appeared the Revolution's momentum would finally result in a goal courtesy of a penalty, but Buksa skied his chance to equalize and the Revolution ended the game scoreless.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Toronto were never going to beat a Revolution team with 13 shots and six on target without a strong performance from goalkeeper Alex Bono, and he delivered with a six-save game.
Next Up
- NE: Sunday, October 11 at New York City FC (4:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- TOR: Sunday, October 11 at FC Cincinnati (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; TSN in Canada)
