Goals from Edwin Rivas and Massimo Mirabelli were enough to give TFC II a 2-1 victory over Saint Louis FC at World Wide Technology Soccer Park. With the win TFC II improves its record to 2-4-1.
Off to a Shaky Start
TFC II got off to a shaky start, as goalkeeper Alex Bono’s miss kick ended up on the feet of Saint Louis FC forward Bryan Gaul who made no mistake from about 12 yards, hitting a shot into the bottom right corner to give STLFC the lead in the 1st minute of the match.
It took the Reds less than 10 minutes to get back into the match. TFC II captain Chris Mannella intercepted a pass at the halfway mark and quickly dished it out wide to midfielder Luca Uccello. Uccello made some space for himself on the right flank and whipped in a dangerous cross that was met at the far post by forward Edwin Rivas, who managed to get a foot on it and tap it home. Just like that it was 1-1 nine minutes in.
TFC II gained the lead in the 38th minute via forward Massimo Mirabelli, who pounced on a Saint Louis defender’s error and hit a low, left-footed shot that beat STLFC goalkeeper Mark Pais. The sequence that led up to the goal is important to note as Uccello and defender Wesley Charpie exchanged a give-and-go that gave just enough space for Charpie to get in a cross that eventually led to Mirabelli’s tally.
Reds Continue to Be Solid Defensively
We’ve seen an improved TFC II team defensively in the last two matches since their 5-1 loss against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on April 25th. TFC II coach Jason Bent has talked about working on the defensive side of their game for the last couple weeks and it has shown. TFC II looks like a restored team defensively as of late and it was clear this match as they limited Saint Louis FC to very few opportunities in the match.
Bono Comes Up Big
TFC II goalkeeper Alex Bono was able to shake off his horrible giveaway early in the match and made a few outstanding saves to uphold the lead for your Reds.
His biggest save came in the 53rd minute when STLFC forward Mike Ambersley found space in the box and hit a low shot towards the far post. Bono was able to dive to his right and steer away the shot, preserving the lead for TFC II.
Players Taking Advantage of Opportunities
With Jordan Hamilton with the first team and Mo Babouli out suspended due to a red card against the Rochester Rhinos, forwards Edward Rivas and Massimo Mirabelli were given the rare start by coach Jason Bent.
Both stepped up and capitalized on the opportunity, scoring their first goals of the season. It is a long season and with absences bound to happen due to injuries, call-ups, and suspensions, the team will look for players to be ready when called upon.
TFC II takes on Louisville City FC this Saturday, May 16th, at 7:30PM ET. Follow along on Twitter @TorontoFCII using the hashtag #TFCLive and watch the action via livestream at torontofc.ca/live
