Toronto FC III completed a gutsy second half comeback to defeat Durham United in Friday night League 1 Ontario action.
The hosts jumped ahead on a first half strike from Tyrell Rayne. Rayne slipped behind the Reds’ backline and tucked in the opening goal.
Nikola Stakic equalised for the Reds just minutes into the second frame. Off the Reds’ first corner of the match, the ball found it’s way to Stakic who slotted home his first of the season.
Durham was reduced to 10 men following a sending off for Jonathan Parolini in the 80th minute.
The Reds pushed relentlessly as Durham struggled to hold on with their shorthanded squad. The Reds finally broke through as substitute Zakaria Abdi fired in the go-ahead marker with just seconds to spare. Jacob Shaffelburg sent in Abdi on the counter attack and the 17-year-old forward composedly finished past the Durham ‘keeper.
The win moves TFC III to 6-2-1 on the season, good for third place in the West. Next up for the Reds is a trip to the nation's capital on Canada Day to take on the Ottawa South United Force. Kick-off is slated for 3:00 PM.
