TORONTO — In a much-needed victory, Toronto FC secured a decisive 3-0 win over the Portland Timbers in a match played on Saturday night. Despite dealing with several injuries, Toronto managed to break a five-game winless streak at home, where they had previously managed to secure only five out of a possible 33 points this season.
Alonso Coello opened the scoring with an impressive free-kick in the 11th minute. He found the net by launching the ball past the Portland defensive wall and goalkeeper James Pantemis, marking his second goal in Major League Soccer.
Toronto’s lead was extended in the 56th minute when Tyrese Spicer capitalized on a rebound. Although Pantemis initially made a remarkable one-handed save against a header from Kosi Thompson, the deflected ball fell to Spicer, who seized the opportunity to notch his second goal of the season.
A third goal solidified Toronto’s triumph deep into stoppage time. Derrick Etienne Jr. delivered a cross into the box that ricocheted off Portland defender Ian Smith, with Toronto’s Deandre Kerr in close proximity, sealing the 3-0 result.
Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson achieved his fifth clean sheet of the season. Portland, on the other hand, struggled offensively, with only four attempts on goal, none of which were on target.
Although Toronto celebrated this home victory, they will play only five of their remaining 15 games on familiar turf.