Domenico Criscito lifts Toronto FC to draw with Revs
Criscito #Criscito
Domenico Criscito’s spectacular left-footed strike in the 75th minute was the equalizer for Toronto FC in a 2-2 draw against the visiting New England Revolution on Wednesday.
After Federico Bernardeschi gave Toronto (8-12-6, 30 points) a lead in the 31st minute, New England jumped ahead with goals from Tommy McNamara and Justin Rennicks on either side of halftime.
That set the stage for Criscito’s late strike. A controversial call gave Toronto a corner kick, which led to Michael Bradley’s pass to Criscito outside the box. Criscito blasted home the highlight-reel goal, his first in eight games since signing with Toronto FC.
Toronto is now 3-0-2 in its last five games. After Toronto FC scored 26 goals in their first 21 games of the season, they have 13 goals during the five-game unbeaten run.
New England (8-7-10, 34 points) has also gone five games without a defeat, winning twice in that span. The Revolution’s attempt at five consecutive shutouts was spoiled by Bernardeschi’s goal, ending the Revs’ goalless streak at 402 minutes — 18 minutes shy of the team record.
Toronto and New England played to a scoreless draw in their other regular-season meeting, on July 30 in Foxborough, Mass.
After defender Christian Makoun fouled Ayo Akinola in the box, Toronto FC received a penalty kick in the 31st minute. Bernardeschi buried the kick for his fourth goal in five games with Toronto.
New England responded quickly, as McNamara equalized six minutes later. Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono stopped close-range shots from both McNamara and Rennicks, but McNamara finally deposited the third chance for his second goal of the season.
Rennicks finished a chance three minutes after the halftime break, after Carles Gil sent a sharp pass to an open Rennicks on the right side.
Revolution midfielder Wilfried Kaptoum left in the 24th minute with a non-contact leg injury. New England was already missing several injured regulars, including designated players Gustavo Bou and Giacomo Vrioni.
–Field Level Media