:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50011927/IMG_9870-2.0.0.jpg)
Toronto FC left two points on the table tonight after a strong performance against the Seattle Sounders, but one that they could not finish off. The 1-1 draw left plenty to be desired, as Toronto missed a number of key chances which would have given them a much-needed victory.
Jordan Hamilton's second half goal was cancelled out a minute later by fellow rookie Jordan Morris. Those were the only two goals of the game, one that should have had many more.
Playing a very experimental lineup, Toronto FC dominated the game out of the gate. The club's very green midfield didn't look the part, creating a number of top quality chances throughout the match. Jay Chapman was especially impressive as he played several good balls, and got himself and him teammates into good positions.
Chapman had the first high-quality scoring chance for Toronto FC when Nick Hagglund played a ball to him in the six-yard box. His header would go frustratingly wide, however, the first of many first half Toronto FC chances that went missing.
Later in the half,Toronto again split the Seattle defence open only to see their chance go missing. A ball from Chapman found Mark Bloom down the left flank, and he centred it for Hamilton. The striker held off his defender and backheeled the ball to Sebastian Giovinco in the box. The atomic ant, however, would miss what should have been an easy goal for Toronto.
Toronto FC really should have led at the half, as they created many chances while Seattle created few, but their lack of finishing once again cost them. By all other metrics it was one of their best first halves in recent memory, but not having anything to show for it dampened the mood around a lively BMO Field.
The club started off the second half much the same as the first, but, this time, Seattle seemed to be more ready for their attacks. Toronto enjoyed plenty of possession in the Seattle half, but couldn't create many chances.
That changed in the 60th minute when a ball over the top found Sebastian Giovinco in the box, who took it wide. His shot was saved by Stefan Frei, who the rebound would fall kindly to Hamilton. The Canadian slotted home his second of the season, and in as many MLS games, to give Toronto a 1-0 lead.
However, this goal also served as a wake-up call to the Sounders, who surged forward after the goal. Joevin Jones' long ball found the foot of Jordan Morris who turned and found the back of the net. It was a brilliant finish from the Seattle rookie, and silence the boisterous BMO Field crowd.
After that crazy minute of play, the game would settle down. Both teams played far more cautiously, as they knew the next goal would likely decide the fate of the match.
Seattle came very close late in the match, but Mark Bloom made what looked like an impossible goal line clearance to keep the match tied. It was Bloom's first minutes with Toronto FC of the year, and he looked solid in his return on the left side of the midfield.
It remains to be seen where the point puts Toronto FC, but it could push them back into a playoff spot by the end of the weekend should Orlando lose. Toronto's next game is against the lowly Chicago Fire next Saturday.