A young Toronto FC II squad will take away a lot of experience form a tough 3-0 loss to the Wilmington Hammerheads at Legion Field on Saturday evening.
Missing several key starters for this game - most notably Alex Bono and Raheem Edwards who who were both involved for Toronto FC that same night - the Young Reds shouldn't be too disappointed in a game that was closer than the scoreline suggests.
Aidan Daniels, in particular, can feel slightly aggrieved that he didn't leave with two more goals to his name, only being kept off the score-sheet by the inspired play of Eric Ati in the Wilmington Hammerheads net.
Daniels' long range shot in the 61st minute was fizzing into the top right corner before the keeper's intervention, and his 84th minute free kick dipped viciously after clearing the wall, but Ati was able to scramble across and get it away.
Hundal and Bernal again showed good link up play, with Bernal coming close after being slipped in behind the defence by Hundal, only to be forced wide by the alert Ati.
Kota Sakurai replaced Shaan Hundal in the 76th minute, marking his first professional appearance.
The Young Reds will have a quick turnaround after their long drive back home, facing Bethlehem Steel at the Ontario Soccer Centre on Wednesday July 6th. Buy tickets here, or catch the livestream at tf2.ca
Scoring Summary
Wilmington Hammerheads; Casey Townsend, 14'
Wilmington Hammerheads; Austin Martz, 39'
Wilmington Hammerheads; Logan Miller, 46'
Misconduct Summary
Wilmington Hammerheads; Ashani Fairclough 83 (Foul Play)
Team Records
Toronto FC II: 3-11-4, 13pts
Wilmington Hammerheads: 5-5-5, 20pts
Starting XI
Toronto FC II: Phil Di Bennardo; Wesley Charpie, Liam Fraser, Mitchell Taintor, Anthony Osorio; Chris Mannella (c), Aidan Daniels, Brian James, Shaan Hundal (Kato Sakurai 76), Sal Bernal (Luca Uccello 69), Richie Ennin (Ayo Akinola 58)
Wilmington Hammerheads: Eric Ati; Michael Meecham, Bruno Perone (Mike Soboff 58), Ashani Fairclough; Logan Miller, Jeff Michaud (Qudus Lawal 46), Liam Miller, Stefan Defregge, Justin Moose; (Zev Taublieb 46) Austin Martz, Casey Townsend
