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TORONTO, Ont.—A 16-week offseason came to an end for Toronto FC as they traveled to California to open their 14th MLS season against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Today @TorontoFC begin their 14th @MLS campaign - on the road for the 13th time! #TFCLive are UNDEFEATED in their last 5 Road Openers - 4 Wins, 1 Draw #TheyWillSeeRed @WakingtheRed @24thminute @vocalminorityCA @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/Z4CGwqqlUL
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) February 29, 2020
It had been almost a decade since the Reds had earned all three points in the Bay Area—back when the Earthquakes played their games at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Tonight @TorontoFC will be looking for their first win in San Jose in almost a decade. #TFCLive are 2-0 when scoring multiple goals, and winless in 5 when held to a single goal or less. #TheyWillSeeRed @WakingtheRed @24thminute @vocalminorityCA @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/2Gi4GRp7oL
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) February 29, 2020
After a relatively (and refreshingly) quiet offseason, the Reds fielded a Starting XI entirely composed of returning players.
Today's Starting Xl vs. @SJEarthquakes #SJvTOR | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/LxnTVMp7PM
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) February 29, 2020
In fact, Jonathan Osorio, Justin Morrow, Jozy Altidore and Mark Delgado (and Michael Bradley later this Summer) continued to mark a backbone of a club that has remained with the club for the better part of a decade.
Today @OsoJ92 becomes the second @TorontoFC player to play competitive minutes in 8 #TFCLive seasons #TheyWillSeeRed @WakingtheRed @24thminute @vocalminorityCA @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/uGOkbO82Fw
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) February 29, 2020
With just a handful of minutes before halftime, Alejandro Pozuelo managed to open his sophomoric account in the same manner he opened his freshman one—with a cool, collected offering from the penalty spot.
Kicking off 2020 from 12 yards out.@Pozuelo_10 | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/B8v888smpQ
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) February 29, 2020
Pozuelo continues to build on his franchise-best conversion rate for the Reds (min. 2 attempts).
Now @Pozuelo_10 is now 7 for 8 in PK conversions for @TorontoFC #TFCLive best % with more than 2 opportunities #TheyWillSeeRed @WakingtheRed @joshuakloke @24thminute @vocalminorityCA pic.twitter.com/0J9FxsYQ6N
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) February 29, 2020
Pozuelo joined teammate Jozy Altidore and the man he replaced—Sebastian Giovinco—as the only Reds to convert from the spot in a League Opener.
This was the 3rd time a @TorontoFC player has scored a PK in an @MLS opener @Pozuelo_10 #TFCLive @WakingtheRed @vocalminorityCA @24thminute @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/6Y8gOsDq1p
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) February 29, 2020
Richie Laryea became the first substitute of the season, and quickly parlayed his fresh pace and fortuitous real estate into a 2-0 lead—his second-ever MLS goal.
Right place, right time.@RichieLaryea_ | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/hrpVHZ0Goy
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) February 29, 2020
At this point, it seems like a great time to point out that coach Greg Vanney was sitting on the precipice of club history (you should see my drafts folder).
Seems like a decent time to mention that Greg Vanney is on 99 @TorontoFC wins #TFCLive #TheyWillSeeRed @WakingtheRed @vocalminorityCA @24thminute @joshuakloke @KristianJack @LukeWileman pic.twitter.com/UKk1l1JYso
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) February 29, 2020
After the Earthquakes quickly cut the lead in half, however, they turned a man who’s no stranger to breaking opponents’ hearts.
The all-time @MLS leading goal scorer has entered the match.#VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/rGAUrl4ZF9
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) March 1, 2020
And though Chris Wondolowski has filled more nets than anyone in league history, he has a particular flavour for turning the trick against Toronto: he’s scored more MLS goals against the Reds than any other player.
Wondo, the alltime @TorontoFC killer. https://t.co/CKyOBT5d82 pic.twitter.com/Wfk64QglhV
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) March 1, 2020
With Toronto looking to close out added time, Tsubasa Endoh conceded a soft foul on the edge of the box, post-megging, which led to some late drama from Oswaldo Alanis.
BEST. ANGLE. YOU'LL. FIND. @os_alanis' BEAUTIFUL free kick from the stands!#VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/uO7NvVWyJP
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) March 1, 2020
The equalizer was the fifth latest goal allowed in Toronto FC history...
Today was the fifth latest goal allowed in @TorontoFC history #TFCLive @WakingtheRed @24thminute @vocalminorityCA @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/i3ytW7FejI
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) March 1, 2020
...it was only the 3rd FK goal allowed by TFC in added time...
It was the 3rd FK goal allowed in added time against @TorontoFC #TFCLive @WakingtheRed @24thminute @vocalminorityCA @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/UJt4CX9i1F
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) March 1, 2020
...and a reminder of familiar woes from seasons past.
It was the 27th time that a win has turned into a draw in the 85th minute and beyond @TorontoFC #TFCLive #TobiasTime@WakingtheRed @24thminute @vocalminorityCA @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/POWz7ClIVQ
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) March 1, 2020
Toronto will take their sole point home and prepare for Saturday’s home opener against New York City FC.