- Toronto FC defeated Vancouver Whitecaps with 3-0.
- Pablo Piatti was outstanding, scoring two goals and putting himself in the middle of attention.
- Hosts’ fans were supporting their team from outside the stadium.
Piatti’s Amazing Debut at BMO
The 31-year old Argentinian showed his potential already in his first appearance at the BMO Field. There is no doubt, that Piatti might be one of the best players in the league if he maintains the level of play from last night’s clash.
Toronto won 3-0, displaying a confident performance, not allowing the big rival to have any chances to endanger them. FC had the ball in its possession in 75% of the time, outshooting Vancouver 24-4. The hosts had four shots on target with three hitting the same, and on the other side, the Whitecaps had just one.
According to many, Piatti was the main reason for all of this. Home team’s head coach Greg Vanney was also thrilled with the way his left winger performed.
“I thought he was excellent,” he said. “His movement was really good; his timing was good. The speed at which the ball moved all night was the key to everything, so it was very easy for guys to set up in the right spot.”
Piatti scored the first goal in the 27th minute, and it was the best moment of the game. He would send a rocket to the upper left corner of Whitecaps’ goal. Thomas Hasal, Vancouver’s goalkeeper, simply had no chances. Even though Toronto continued to pressure, it was the only goal in the first half.
However, Piatti struck once again, shortly after the start of the second half. It was the 55th minute when the former Espanyol member used an assist from Jonathan Osorio to double the lead.
Even though it was apparent already then, that the game is sealed, Toronto kept on going at the same pace. They would net once more, seven minutes before the end, Nick DeLeon added one more hit setting the final result of this contest.
Fans Cheer From Around the Stadium
The FC’s players were happy to play at home, and even though there weren’t any fans in the stands, they could hear them. We aren’t talking about the audio effects, but the real people, as they gathered near the stadium to cheer and welcome their team.
“We were able to see and hear them. Obviously, we saw the smoke and the fireworks, and it was great to have their support during this hard time that everyone is going through.
This was the first game played at the BMO since March 7, and the soccer lovers in Toronto are hungry for some action.
The players, too, miss their supporters. BMO is one of the most hostile places in the entire MLS, and the atmosphere created here presents a massive edge for the home team.
“We miss having 30,000 people inside this stadium pushing us on,” Bradley said.
Up next, Toronto plays with Vancouver on Friday, August 21.
