Pablo Piatti scored his first two MLS goals, including a ferocious opener from distance in the 27th minute, and Toronto FC returned to MLS action with a dominant display in a 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday night at BMO Field.
Nick DeLeon also scored late for the hosts, who are now unbeaten in their first six league matches dating way back to Feb. 29 (3W-0L-3D), after outshooting Vancouver 24-4 overall and 8-1 in terms of efforts on target.
Jonathan Osorio provided the primary assist on both of Piatti's tallies. Jozy Altidore also contributed an assist in his first regular season start since March 7, and Alejandro Pozuelo assisted DeLeon's insurance effort.
Goals
Three Things
THE BIG PICTURE:
Vancouver welcomed back three players who sat out the MLS is Back Tournament. Striker
Lucas Cavallini
had a promising look at goal or two,
Andy Rose
also started and
Tosaint Ricketts
entered late. The performance, however, didn't suggest a squad that had been reinforced following their Cinderella MLS is Back Round of 16 run. Meanwhile, Toronto continued a 16-match league unbeaten run dating back to last season.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Pablo Piatti. Osorio was also good and Pozuelo was his typical influential self, but this was never going to go to anyone other than the 31-year-old Argentine
Designated Player
after ending his lengthy wait — in terms of the calendar — for a goal in a Toronto shirt since he signed in early February.
Up Next
- Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Friday, Aug. 21 (8 pm ET | TSN 4/5 in Canada, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US)
