Toronto FC wins home opener and their 2nd in a row beating Real Salt Lake 1-0.
In the games only goal Laurent Robert sent a scorching shot that found the back of the net in the 31st minute on a free kick deflection. Robert, who is from France and played for Derby in the English Premier League last season, gave Toronto the 1-0 lead, which would stick and be the final score. When asked about the goal after the game Robert said, “The free kick for me was very lucky as it was so close to the goal, only 16 yards away. I knew the wall would jump so I hit it hard and was very lucky that it deflected in.”
Toronto FC (2-2-0) has now won two games in a row. Their win over Real Salt Lake was their first game at home in front of their rabid fans at BMO Field. It was the first time in Toronto’s brief history, as this is only their 2nd season that they are at the .500 mark.
The game was disappointing for Real Salt Lake, as they came into this game playing well after beating D.C. United 4-0 in their last game.
The first half was dominated by Toronto, as they had 7 shots on goal and Real Salt Lake had 0. In the 44th minute Toronto almost added to their lead, but Real Salt Lake goalie Nick Rimando made a great diving save on a shot from Marvell Wynne. Real Salt Lake came out for the 2nd half and pressed early and almost tied the score, but a loose ball only inches away from going in was cleared by Toronto.
Toronto head coach John Carver said, “I told them to expect them (Real Salt Lake) to come out quick in the second half. I knew their coach would be giving them a good rollicking. We dug in and we dealt with it.”
Toronto’s goalie Greg Sutton saved the shutout with two great saves, one on the 65th minute and another in the 85th minute.
Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis said about the game, “It was definitely a tale of two halves. We came out tactically and played that game wrong. The coaching staff takes full responsibility for us coming out and sitting back, when perhaps we should have pressed them from minute one.”
Toronto will have a tough time making it 3 wins in a row, as their next match is against Kansas City at home, while Real Salt Lake will travel to the nation’s capital to play D.C. United in their next game.
