Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea fights for possession with D.C. United’s Hosei Kijima during the first half of their MLS match in Washington on Saturday, February 22, 2025. (Photo: Nick Wass/The Canadian Press/AP)
Toronto FC kicked off their MLS season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against D.C. United on Saturday night, thanks to a late penalty by Federico Bernardeschi. The Canadian side showed resilience, coming from behind twice to leave Washington with a well-earned point.
Bernardeschi’s Spot-Kick Seals the Comeback
The pivotal moment came in the 70th minute when Toronto was awarded a penalty after a collision between former TFC midfielder Brandon Servania and Richie Laryea. While the contact appeared minor, Laryea went down, convincing referee Sergii Boiko to point to the spot. Bernardeschi stepped up confidently and sent South Korean goalkeeper Kim Joon Hong the wrong way, levelling the match.
Toronto coach Robin Fraser, in his debut game, praised his team's performance. "We had a few nervous mistakes early on, but we grew into the game. We created several chances, and while we missed some, it's encouraging that we were in those positions," Fraser said.
Osorio Keeps His Scoring Streak Alive
Toronto’s captain, Jonathan Osorio, also found the net, continuing his streak of scoring in all 13 of his seasons with the club. He pounced on a deflected cross in the 28th minute to cancel out D.C.’s early lead.
D.C. struck first in the eighth minute, when Boris Enow capitalized on a defensive lapse, slicing into the box and slotting past goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Toronto responded through Osorio before Christian Benteke restored the home side’s advantage in the 35th minute with a towering header off a pinpoint cross from Jacob Murrell.
Benteke, last season’s MLS Golden Boot winner, showcased his aerial prowess, rising between two defenders and leaving Johnson helpless despite getting a hand to the ball.
Toronto’s Attacking Edge
Despite falling behind twice, Toronto maintained attacking pressure. They outshot D.C. 11-7, with a 7-2 advantage in corners and a significantly higher expected goals (xG) tally of 2.37 compared to D.C.’s 0.76. Midfielder Markus Cimermancic, making his MLS debut just a day after signing his homegrown contract, was pleased but believed the team deserved more.
"We’re happy with the point but felt we should have won," the 20-year-old said.
New Faces, Same Fighting Spirit
Several fresh faces made their debuts for Toronto. Theo Corbeanu, on loan from Spain’s Granada CF, was in the starting lineup, while English defender Zane Monlouis, signed from Arsenal, made a late appearance in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Italian star Lorenzo Insigne, whom Toronto is reportedly looking to offload, was left out of the squad.
A Chilly but Entertaining Opener
The game, played in near-freezing temperatures of 3°C, was an exciting start to the league’s 30th season. Fraser became Toronto’s 15th head coach, leading the team into their 19th MLS campaign.
Toronto’s last victory at D.C. came back in April 2016, with Sebastian Giovinco scoring the only goal. Although they couldn’t end that winless run, Saturday’s draw was a positive step after last season’s struggles.
