Sporting KC 2-2 Toronto FC: Hamilton equalizer saves a point

There’s the final whistle, and Toronto FC pull out some younger players for the very finish of the match. A draw on the road to SKC is never a bad result so TFC certainly can’t be too upset — much better than losing to Minnesota United, though.

We’ll be back to break it down a bit more later, although not much really happened in this contest.

Also, Rate the Reds will be up in the morning, for anybody looking for it.

88’ — Jordan Hamilton is done after a very good night for him. Ayo Akinola comes in to replace him and hopefully provide some energy in the last few minutes.

69’ Sporting KC 2-2 Toronto FC — Jordan Hamilton!!!! He’s the recipient of a short ball from Nico Hasler, who did well to hold off his defender. Hamilton hits it pretty much perfectly from 25 yards out and it sails into the net. Hell of a goal from the young Canadian, and TFC are back in the picture.

67’ — Greg Vanney throws some more firepower into the mix by replacing Liam Fraser with Tosaint Ricketts, and Marky Delgado with Nico Hasler.

62’ Sporting KC 2-1 Toronto FC — This sucks. Johnny Russell beats Alex Bono with a fairly casual finish as SKC hit the Reds on the counter.

57’ Sporting KC 1-1 Toronto FC — Eriq Zavaleta lays a reckless tackle on an SKC attacker in the box, and the referee immediately awards the penalty. It’s not the most confident of spot kicks, but it’s close enough to the post that it eludes Alex Bono. Zavs picks up a yellow card for it as well.

25’ Sporting KC 0-1 Toronto FC — TFC ARE ACTUALLY LEADING A GAME! The Reds get one on the board as Sebastian Giovinco gets it started with a nice quick touch, then Justin Morrow plays a perfect ball in for Jonathan Osorio, who just about flicks it past keeper Tim Melia to give Toronto a lead.

1’ — We’re off! Lineups are as follows:

Toronto FC continue their road trip tonight when they step into Children’s Mercy Park to take on Sporting Kansas City. This’ll be a tough matchup against the team sitting second in MLS’s Western Conference, but TFC desperately need a win to try and get their legs under them.

SKC is a tough, defensive outfit guided by veteran leadership at the back. Graham Zusi has been solid as always this year, and the centre-back pairing of Ike Opara and Matt Besler is a hard one to break down. They don’t have much top-end attacking talent up front, but the likes of Johnny Russell can still do damage.

They’ll be without Hungarian attacker Daniel Salloi, who’s suspended, which is quite a blow. Salloi has six goals and six assists this season for SKC.

This is one the Reds need to win badly, especially after the incredibly disappointing performance on Wednesday in Minnesota.

Apologies for the short preview, little rushed today.

Team news: injuries & suspensions

Toronto FC: Jozy Altidore, Drew Moor, Chris Mavinga, Auro, Jason Hernandez, and Victor Vazquez are all expected to be out of the lineup tonight.

Sporting KC: Midfielders Felipe Gutierrez, Cristian Lobato, and Gianluca Busio will be sidelined, as will defender Jimmy Medranda and potentially Amer Didic. Daniel Salloi is suspended for a red card he picked up in the last match.

How to watch

Match date/time: Saturday, July 7, 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: TSN 4
Live stream: TSN GO, ESPN+