Patrick DeLeon’s two goals were the key on the second leg of the Canadian Championship for Toronto FC on Wednesday night, as they beat Ottawa Fury 3-0 (5-0 aggregate) to punch a ticket to the final.
Toronto will be looking to lift the Voyagers Cup for the fourth consecutive time against the Montreal Impact.
DeLeon also had an assist by setting up Patrick Mullins to score on an empty net in the 37th minute. Just two minutes later the 29-year-old was able to complete the brace and score his fifth goal of the season in front of 12,683 at BMO Field.
The midfielder played for 90 minutes after coming back from a long-term injury on the groin area.
BMO FIELD, Toronto – Wednesday 14th, 2019 – Nick DeLeon appears to not know what a brace is after he scored one against Ottawa Fury on the win 3-0 at the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi finals. /Photo by Christiana Qesko
Coach Greg Vanney said after the game that he had to explain to DeLeon what a brace is.
“The two goals felt good, but more importantly it feels good to advance to the final,” said DeLeon. “We just want to keep building the momentum, it doesn’t matter who it is against. We need to feel that we are going to win games.” Vanney said.
Toronto – Wednesday 14th, 2019 -Coach Greg Vanney at the Press Conference after the TFC beat Ottawa 3-0 (5-0 agg.) to advance to the final of the Canadian Championship. /Photo by Christiana Qesko
TFC started the game strong creating a lot of chances with Liam Fraser and Jonathan Osorio.
DeLeon got the ball inside the box from Richie Laryea and with a shot to the left bottom corner opened the score sheet in the 14th minute.
Goalkeeper Alex Bono did not get much action in the first half as TFC’s defence did not allow many passes to go through.
Noble Okello feels proud about his debut with the Toronto FC. The19-year-old replaced Jonathan Osorio in the second half of the second semi final leg against Ottawa Fury.
/Photo by Christiana Qesko
Noble Okello made his debut in the first team at the second half as he replaced Jonathan Osorio. The youngster got a few chances to score, but his shots were blocked.
“Overall I thought I did well. I could have scored a couple of chances that I got. I’m proud of my debut,” said the 19-year-old. “I have been with this club since I was 12. It felt nice to finally get my chance.”
TFC came out after half time on a more relaxed note and allowed a few good chances for Ottawa. However, their poor execution and a good performance from Bono kept Fury scoreless in the second leg as well.
Their most memorable moment of the game came at the 90th minute as the shot from forward Cristiano Francois hit the post.
NOTES: As expected Greg Vanney rested key players like Alejandro Pozuelo, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley. Justin Morrow and Osorio were substituted in the second half to catch their breath for the MLS action on Saturday against Columbus Crew, where the Reds need to win away and get back into a play-off position in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto FC: Bono, Laryea, Zavaleta, Moor, Morrow, Gallardo, Fraser, Osorio, DeLeon, Endoh, Mullins
Ottawa Fury: Irving, Haworth, Barnathan, Meilleur-Giguere, Tissot, Gagnon-Lapare, Ward, Fall, Francois, Barry, Oliveira