Toronto FC are slowly getting back on track as they extend their unbeaten run to four with a more dominant win over FC Cincinnati than the 3-2 score suggests.
The Reds pounced on the opportunity to leap out of bottom spot in the table as a well-earned victory takes them two points above the struggling Ohio-based side.
TFC began the game on the front foot and should have taken the lead early through Jonathan Osorio, but the Canadian midfielder slotted the ball wide after having an open net from only a couple yards out.
Even though they looked to be controlling the contest, missed chances would come back to haunt the home side when Ronald Matarrita’s 38th minute goal put FC Cincinnati up by one heading into the break.
With Toronto behind at the interval, the Reds came out flying in the second half and that dominance was rewarded with a 48th minute goal from Jacob Shaffelburg.
On a well-worked counterattack, Yeferson Soteldo rolled the ball perfectly through to Shaffelburg who slotted home the equalizer with exceptional composure.
Only seven minutes later, Shaffelburg was involved once again as he put in what’s becoming a signature left footed cross from the wing that gave Marco Delgado a simple tap-in at the back post to put TFC up by one.
A second assist by Shaffelburg from the same area on the left side of the pitch set up a third goal for Toronto FC just ten minutes later. Ifunanyachi Achara was gifted another tap-in at the back post to put them up 3-1.
A bit of quality pulled one back in the 72nd minute for Cincinnati as captain Luciano Acosta, fired an unstoppable shot across the keeper to keep his side in the game.
That goal would give the Reds some unwanted nerves in the final 10 minutes of the match, but FC Cincinnati were ultimately outclassed by a better Toronto team on the day.
The 21-year-old Canadian, Shaffelburg, was given man of the match after a quality performance where he was heavily involved in all three goals – producing a goal and two assists.
Toronto FC look to build on this victory as they prepare for their matchup against Chicago Fire at BMO Field on Sunday afternoon.