HERRIMAN, Utah (Saturday, July 23, 2022) – Toronto FC II and Chelsea FC U-21’s played to a 1-1 draw, with Toronto FC taking the additional point in the 5-4 shootout victory.
Chelsea got the first close look of the night when forward Leo Castledine found himself with a half-chance that was blocked, but he gathered the rebound for a second shot, forcing a big save from Toronto goalkeeper Baj Maan.
After a handful of chances through the early stages of the first half, Chelsea was able to find the breakthrough. In the 22nd minute after Castledine slalomed through the box and was tripped up inside the 18-yard box, forward Joe Haigh picked up his leftovers and tucked his right-footed shot into the left-hand corner of the goal.
Coming out of halftime, Toronto FC made quick work to equalize when, in the 56th minute, midfielder Antonio Carlini got the ball from a corner and hit a shot right into Chelsea goalkeeper Sami Tiemcani. Tiemcani’s stop spilled right to the feet of Rohan Goulborne, whose right-footed shot flew into the center of an open net for the equalizer.
Following Toronto FC’s equalizer, the game opened up and both teams were able to find chances, but both defenses held strong and the stalemate continued. Chelsea continued to press heavily through the final 15 minutes of play earning five close chances, but after outshooting Toronto FC 20-6 throughout the match, the game ended 1-1 in regulation, sending the teams to a shootout. While the Blues took an early lead after Toronto missed their second spot, they failed to convert on the following PK followed by four straight makes from TFC to give the Canadian side the extra point.
With Toronto FC’s win, MLS Next Pro sit atop the Invitational standings with MLS Next Pro sides having seven points, while the EPL 2 sides have two points. Invitational matches will wrap up Wednesday, July 27th when Colorado Rapids 2 take on Wolves U-21s.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
CHE: Joe Haigh, 22nd minute: After Leo Castledine got tripped up in the box, Haigh picked up the pieces and slotted the ball into the left corner of the net for the opening goal.
TFC: Rohan Goulbourne (Antonio Carlini), 56th minute: A spilled shot from Carlini found the feet of Goulbourne who took the right-footed shot and found the equalizing goal.
