Academy Defeated In Dallas

Toronto FC Academy

After progressing through the group stage unbeaten, Toronto FC Academy’s run at the Dallas Cup was brought to an end with a 1-0 loss to Panama’s Chorrillo FC.

TFC started the game brightly and almost went ahead in the fourth minute when Nicholas Lindsay had a breakaway with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot hit the inside of the post and rebounded away from the goal.

The game was then suspended after only 12 minutes of play due to a thunder and lightning threat in the area. After a period of 20 minutes the game resumed with TFC on the front foot, but that was short lived as Allando Matheson was sent off for violent conduct in the 15th minute.

The Academy made some tactical adjustments and put the opposition under immense pressure for the remainder of the first half, but soon after half time, Chorillo FC struck first when a cross was played into the box and their striker found space to head home from six yards out. Chorrillo FC stuck to their counter attacking game plan and won 1-0 to eliminate TFC Academy from the Dallas Cup.

"We entered the match with confidence and a strong determination to win the match,” said Academy Coach Jason Bent. “Our start to the game was positive and we had a number of chances throughout the game which we failed to take.”

“The turning point in the match was definitely the sending off of Allando Matheson. One moment of indiscipline changed the complexion of the match in favour of the opposition. I cannot fault the effort of the team as we played 75 minutes with only 10 men and still created enough chances to win the game. Unfortunately it was not to be and I hope our players will have learned some valuable lessons from this experience."