TFC ACADEMY NIP PORTUGAL FC 1-0 IN SEASON OPENER .............Late goal by defender Doneil Henry just enough
2010-05-09
TFC Academy senior team wins 2010 CSL opener
A goal by TFC Academy centre back Doneil Henry at 78 minutes was just enough to give TFC Academy a 1-0 victory over Portugal FC in the CSL season opener at the BMO Field in Toronto Saturday night.The game was the second of a double header at the lakeshore venue that saw Toronto FC down the visiting Chicago Fire 4-1 in MLS action an hour earlier.
The academy team is the senior of two teams entered by Toronto FC in the CSL and tonight’s squad finished last season in fourth position in the National Division, while the TFC Academy II - the junior team - won the CSL Reserve Division title.
It was an even contest throughout and the opener appeared to be heading for a scoreless tie when TFC midfielder Brennan McNicoll lifted the ball into the 6 yard area at the 78th minute mark. TFC’s Nicholas Lindsay looked like scoring when he tipped the ball over the advancing Portugal FC goalkeeper Sotiri Varlokostas, but it was Henry, who collected the ball to find the net.
Henry is in his second year with TFC Academy and senior team head coach Jason Bent was pleased with the result and his team’s performance. “The players moved the ball well, showing good confidence throughout the game, and that’s important,” he said following the win.
The game was the first of 156 for 13 CSL teams in the one First Division, a season that runs through to October 3 to be followed by the playoffs involving the top eight in the standings. The CSL Championship will be played at the end of October.
Games resume next Saturday, May 15 when Milltown FC visit the Saputo Stadium in Montreal for a game with Montreal Impact Academy and TFC Academy will play a home game at Lamport Stadium, taking on FC Hamilton Croatia. There are four games the following day.
