TFC Academy started a busy weekend of Canadian Soccer League action in fine form against Portugal FC on Friday night, winning 3-1 at Lamport Stadium.

Former Toronto FC player Andrea Lombardo had several early first half chances but failed to take his opportunities. TFC established their quick short passing game as the match progressed, but their first opportunity came when Vincenzo Sasso released a long ball over the top for young striker Kevan Aleman who tried an audacious chip which beat Quillan Roberts in goal but hit the side netting. Tristan Jackman opened the scoring a minute before half time after he reacted quickest to a ball into the box after Arthur Casupanan’s corner kick.

TFC started the second half under a bit of early pressure from the home side, however the first real chance of the second half came when Dino Gardner combined with Keith Makubuya just outside the box before attempting to square a pass to Oscar Cordon, but a last ditch tackle from Jaamal Smith prevented him from scoring.

In the 57th minute, Dino Gardiner went on a dribbling run past several defenders before he unleashed what would turn out to be the goal of the match after he struck a shot from 25 yards out into the bottom corner for the 2-0 lead.

Portugal FC nearly pulled a goal back in the 70th minute but were denied after Angelo Cavaluzzo dove to his right to deny a shot from Marko Bedenikovic showed excellent skill to shift the ball at the top of the box and curl a shot that was destined for the top corner.

Former TFC Academy Striker Adrian Pena scored for Portugal FC in the 86th minute when he played a clever 1-2 at the top of the box before being hauled down and the referee pointed to the spot. Pena stepped up at struck his shot which came back off the under side of the bar and he reacted sharply to hit the rebound into the vacant net for a very controversial goal that the officials failed to call back.

The game was put beyond doubt as TFC straight from the kickoff went the length of the field as Josh Janniere finished off a quick move to increase TFC’s lead to 3-1 in the 87th minute.

The win moved TFC into 3rd place only 3 points behind league leaders Serbian White Eagles.

“I am extremely pleased with the way we passed the ball tonight,” said Academy Senior Team Head Coach Jason Bent. “Our movement off the ball was good and we got a number of solid performances throughout the team.”

“This week we challenged some players that are now getting more opportunities and they certainly took their opportunities. The league is very tight at the top of the table and we knew the importance of this fixture as Portugal FC entered the match only four points behind us.”