Toronto FC let a much-needed Major League Soccer victory slip away on Saturday night, as a late goal from host Chicago Fire’s Jonathan Dean forced a 1-1 draw to split the points at SeatGeek Stadium.
Toronto (11-17-4) maintained their 1-0 lead for the majority of the second half but failed to secure the crucial three points for their playoff push.
Dean, who came on for Justin Reynolds in the 74th minute, scored his first MLS goal with a one-touch tap-in, capitalizing on a perfectly arcing chip pass from Ariel Lassiter.
Lassiter’s delivery from outside the left side of the box found the 27-year-old midfielder at the far post, leading to the clutch equalizer for Chicago (7-16-9) in the 84th minute.
The Reds had a chance to respond with a game-winner after the equalizer. Lorenzo Insigne had a golden opportunity, receiving a pass from Federico Bernardeschi that threaded the needle through the Fire’s defence, setting up a one-on-one chance against Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady in the 88th minute.
However, instead of taking the shot, the Italian forward made an unexpected decision to pass the ball back, giving up the chance to win the game for Toronto.
Just a few minutes later in stoppage time, Insigne came close again with a powerful free-kick attempt that struck the right post and bounced out, leaving Toronto to settle for a draw.
Both teams struggled to create opportunities, each with only six shots over 90 minutes. Toronto had difficulty controlling possession, with just 38 per cent throughout.
Their only goal came early in the first half stoppage. Bernardeschi drove into the box during a counter-attack, attempting to dribble through two Chicago defenders before being tripped from behind, earning Toronto a penalty.
Prince Owusu stepped up and calmly converted the goal, scoring his eighth of the season and putting Toronto ahead 1-0 in the 48th minute of stoppage .
The Fire missed their chance to tie the score before the break during the first corner of the game in the 54th minute of first-half stoppage. Gastón Giménez delivered a well-placed ball that set up a header for Hugo Cuypers, but it was easily saved by Sean Johnson. Toronto carried their one-goal lead into the locker room.
It’s been a busy week for the Reds, who came into Bridgeview following a tough 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Canadian Championship final on Wednesday.
While they ended their two-game MLS losing streak tonight, Toronto is aiming to secure every possible point to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in the last four years.
Although they are still sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference after tonight’s’ draw, both Philadelphia and Montreal share the same points total (37) with playing a game less than Toronto.
Toronto will look to capitalize on their home advantage for the final two regular-season games at BMO Field, where they will face the New York Red Bulls on Oct 2 and Inter Miami on Oct 5.
