Draw ends TFC’s five-game streak
EAST HARTFORD, CONN.— A congested schedule and red-hot teenager took their toll on Toronto FC on Wednesday,
Looking to match a club record with a sixth straight win, Toronto (11-2-5) instead had to settle for a single point in a1-1tie with the New York Red Bulls thanks to a spectacular 77thminute strike from 17-year-old substitute Caden Clark.
Clark marked his MLS debut on the weekend with a spectacular volley off a corner against Atlanta just hours after signing a first-team contract. He did it again Wednesday, finding the top corner with a left-footed rocket from outside the penalty box.
“I wish I had made the save but sometimes also you need to appreciate the game and great goals being scored,” Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg said.
“I think tonight this young guy had a banger. So congrats to him. It’s just unfortunate that it happened against us.”
Alejandro Pozuelo had put Toronto ahead with a 23rd-minute penalty.
Clark, who came on in the 59th minute, is the youngest player in MLS history to score in his first two appearances.
“It’s a kid playing high right now. High on life and high on the energy of making his debut,” said interim Red Bulls coach Bradley Carnell.
Toronto had chances to nip the scoring chance in the bud. The Red Bulls got the ball after Parker got the better of Pozuelo in a midfield duel. And Toronto midfielder Marky Delgado had a chance to foul Clark before the shot but opted not to.
Toronto is still undefeated in eight games (6-0-2), a run that features victories over Montreal, New York City FC, Columbus Crew SC, the Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution and FC Cincinnati.
“If I’m being honest, I was concerned about this game,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said. “We’ve been on a great run. It’s short rest. They’re a team coming off of one day extra of rest. There were a number of things that concerned me a little bit about this game.”
Pozuelo scored from the penalty spot after Ayo Akinola’s rising shot off a corner hit Dru Yearwood’s arm. It was the eighth goal of the season for Pozuelo. Goalkeeper Ryan Meara stood rooted to the spot as Pozuelo, who upped his career MLS penalty success rate to 10 of 11, rolled the ball into the corner of goal.