WASHINGTON— D.C. United’s Reserves (5-0-1) continued their unbeaten streak in 2011 MLS Reserve League action, defeating Toronto FC 2-1 at the D.C. United Training Complex at RFK Stadium on Sunday morning.
United's Reserves controlled the tempo in the opening minutes of the match, but were unable to translate their efforts into goals. United’s best attempt of the half came off the foot of Stephen King, who connected on a ball from the edge of the area in the 16th minute, but his shot couldn't find the back of the net.
In the 34th minute Toronto FC's Mikael Yourassowsky swung a promising ball towards the far post, but United's goalkeeper Joe Willis grabbed the cross and disarmed the scoring opportunity.
The Reds opened the second half with spirited effort and nearly found their way onto the scoreboard in the 46th minute, when Stefan Vukovic played Oscar Cordon into United's area. Cordon's shot went wide, leaving the match scoreless.
The contest changed pace in the 58th minute when midfielder Austin da Luz earned a penalty for United. Forward Charlie Davies took the attempt, striking the ball into the left corner as Milos Kocic dove to his right. The goal gave the Black-and-Red a 1-0 lead. The Reds responded in the 77th minute when midfielder Steven Vukovic volleyed Keith Makubuya's cross past Willis to level the match at 1-1.
United’s Marc Burch put the Black-and-Red back on top three minutes later, when he blasted a free kick past Toronto's wall and into the lower right corner of Toronto's goal.
“Overall, I thought it was a good effort,” said United Assistant Coach Chad Ashton after the game. “Our guys showed a lot of character and a lot of guts, and found a way to pick up a win. The soccer could have been a little better, but to see our guys show character means a lot to our team right now. It’s the stuff we’re preaching in the locker room and to see it on the field is very rewarding.”
The victory gives the D.C. United Reserves a six point edge on the New England Revolution to lead the East Division of the MLS Reserve League, while the Columbus Crew remain in third place, trailing United by seven points.
SCORING SUMMARY
- D.C. United - Charlie Davies 58’ (Penalty)
- Toronto F.C. - Steven Vukovic (Keith Makubuya) 77’
- D.C. United - Marc Burch 80’
LINEUPS
D.C. United: Joe Willis; Chris Korb, Ethan White, Devon McTavish (Jalen Robinson* 46'), Marc Burch; Brandon Barklage (Seth C' deBaca* 50'), Stephen King, Conor Shanosky (Kurt Morsink 71'), Austin da Luz; Charlie Davies (Andy Najar 78'), Blake Brettschneider
Unused Substitutes: Steve Cronin
Toronto FC: Milos Kocic; Dasan Robinson, Eddy Viator, Nathan Kelsey (Tyler Pasher 46'), Mikael Yourassowsky; Sergio Camargo (Matt Gold 46'), Nathan Sturgis, Oscar Cordon; Nick Soolsma (Demitrius Omphroy 46'), Stefan Vukovic, Javier Martina (Keith Makubuya 59')
Unused Substitutes: Quillan Roberts
NOTES: *Academy Player
MISCONDUCT REPORT None.
