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TORONTO, Canada—Toronto FC won (again) on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Chicago Fire 3-1 at BMO Field, extending their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.
This run of play is by far the best stretch of games for the Reds this season – winning four out of their last five – however, with just six MLS games to play, it’s likely too-little, too-late for Javier Perez’s side, who sit in 13th-place in the Eastern Conference, 15 points back of a playoff spot.
But better late than never, as performances have been strong of late for Toronto, perhaps none more than Jacob Shaffelburg, who had another outstanding game heading into the international break, where he’ll be with the John Herdman and Canadian men’s national team.
In addition to another relentless and tenacious effort down the left-hand side, the 21-year-old Homegrown winger helped the team win a first-half penalty – which was missed by Yeferson Soteldo – assisted on Mark Delgado’s first-half goal, and scored one himself that was eventually called back after it was deemed Auro Jr. had strayed offside.
Speaking of Soteldo, the Venezuelan winger also had himself a great game, setting up Omar Gonzalez’s go-ahead marker in the second half off a corner kick, while netting one of his own before the evening was over. In 22 matches (17 starts), the designated player now has three goals and 10 assists — good enough for fifth most in MLS.
GAME NOTES
- Toronto FC extend their unbeaten streak to five games in all competitions (four wins, one draw).
- Toronto FC scored three goals in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
- Jacob Shaffelburg has scored or assisted on seven of Toronto FC’s last twelve goals (two goals, five assists).
- Omar González scored his third goal of the 2021 MLS regular season, with all three assisted by Yeferson Soteldo.
UP NEXT
Toronto FC head into the international break on a positive note, as they’ll next take on Atlanta United in two week’s time (Saturday October 16) at BMO Field.