TORONTO – On a stormy night at BMO Field, Toronto FC made a statement: our home is a fortress.
Toronto FC defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 on the day as goals were scored by Justin Morrow, Warren Creavalle and Luke Moore giving the home side yet another full three points at home, despite Chris Wondolowski scoring his 101st goal in MLS.
Toronto FC created the better chances at the start of the game, with Sebastian Giovinco smacking the crossbar with one effort early on. In the 22nd minute, Toronto FC found the back of the net off a smart slipped pass by Jonathan Osorio, who found an unmarked Giovinco. The Italian forward dummied the first touch, turned around, crossed it into the box and found an onrushing Morrow, who headed it home for Toronto’s first.
But that first goal was short lived, as one minute later Shea Salinas sent a cross into the box that met with Wondolowski. His shot hit the outstretched arm of Ashtone Morgan, and referee Fotis Bazakos pointed to the spot. Wondolowski stepped up and buried the effort, tying the game.
The game wouldn’t stay level for long, though, as the home side found another go-ahead goal 10 minutes later. Giovinco took the ball off Sanna Nyassi, found Moore in the box, who in turn tapped home a slight pass back to Creavalle. The TFC midfielder rocketed home a powerful shot past Bingham’s right-hand side to restore Toronto’s lead at 2-1 and send the home team into the locker rooms at halftime with the advantage.
The second half was largely played in Toronto’s defending half. San Jose pressed forward with urgency looking for an equalizer of its own. It was Toronto FC who struck again, though, when Michael Bradley picked out a long pass to Giovinco. The Atomic Ant took a leisurely stroll before striking quickly, slipping a perfect low cross to Moore. The Englishman calmly side-footed the ball to give Toronto a third goal in the 71st minute.
Giovinco nearly turned provider once again in the 81st minute, picking up on another long Bradley pass, controlling, and then slipping in a through ball into the middle for Osorio. The Canadian’s first-time shot went just wide, but Toronto continued pressing on the counter, forcing San Jose back with just minutes to go.
Giovinco gave the crowd one last chance to cheer, smacking a free kick off the post. And, try as San Jose might, the Earthquakes couldn’t muster another chance, and Toronto FC pocketed three points once again at BMO Field.
Toronto FC next takes on D.C. United at RFK Stadium on June 6. Meanwhile, the San Jose Earthquakes host FC Dallas on June 7.
