Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Robert Earnshaw produced a first-half brace in
just his second MLS match, helping Toronto FC pick up an impressive 2-1 win
over Sporting Kansas City at Rogers Centre on Saturday.
Earnshaw's double snapped a 15-game winless run in league play for the
Canadian club. Toronto's last MLS victory came on July 18, 2012 when it
defeated the Colorado Rapids, 2-1, at BMO Field.
Claudio Bieler pulled back a consolation goal in the second half, but it was
not enough to see Sporting salvage a point.
Both sides are 1-1-0 through their first two league matches of 2013, leaving
them tied on three points apiece.
After logging 85 minutes in his TFC debut against Vancouver Whitecaps FC last
weekend, it took Earnshaw just three minutes into his second appearance to
open his MLS scoring account. The Welshman capitalized on a misplaced pass
from Sporting's defensive unit in the third minute to slip a low shot past
Jimmy Nielsen.
Toronto went two goals up in the 21st minute when John Bostock, the club's
newest loan acquisition, was tripped up in the box by Sporting's Paulo
Nagamura. Earnshaw stepped up to convert the ensuing attempt and give the home
side a two-goal edge.
Sporting pushed for an equalizer in the second half and came close just after
the hour mark when C.J. Sapong's header rattled back off the crossbar.
The visitors eventually cut the deficit in half thanks to some direct play in
the 77th minute. Nielsen long ball was nodded on by Sapong and Bieler slotted
a quick shot past Joe Bendik for his second goal in as many MLS games.
Bendik and the Toronto defense combined to stave off some late pressure from
Sporting, helping Ryan Nelsen secure his first victory as an MLS head coach.
GAME NOTES:
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