Republished August 01, 2015 - 9:28 PM
Original Publication Date August 01, 2015 - 7:10 PM
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Defensive lapses proved to hurt Toronto FC on Saturday night.
Charlie Davies scored twice, Lee Nguyen added a penalty kick and the New England Revolution beat 10-man Toronto 3-1.
"Obviously we didn't defend set pieces very well. That was one of our issues," said Toronto coach Greg Vanney. "We came into the game knowing that they have a lot of different looks on set pieces and it was a clear message for our guys to be very alert."
Davies opened the scoring for the Revolution (8-9-7) in the 35th minute with a point-blank finish off Kelyn Rowe's cross.
Jozy Altidore was sent off four minutes later for violent conduct. He kicked in frustration at Revolution defender Jose Goncalves who was on the ground after the two battled for a ball in the air.
Lee Nguyen doubled the lead with a penalty kick in the 44th minute, and Davies made it 3-0 in the 62nd.
Canadian international Jonathan Osorio got one back for Toronto FC (8-8-4) with a right-footed shot from the top of the box in the 75th minute for his first of the season.
"It's been a long time and it's been frustrating for me because I've really been wanting to help the team by scoring and I'm glad I got to do it today and get that out of the way," said Osorio.
But trust me I would trade that in for three points tonight, any day."
Striker Sebastian Giovinco started the game for Toronto, but was substituted at halftime. Vanney said the decision to replace the former Juventus star was precautionary.
"We knew the game was going to be a lot of defensive work and a lot of chasing," said Vanney. "At that point, with two games at home this week, it just, it doesn't make sense."
Newly signed centre back and Moroccan international Ahmed Kantari made his MLS debut for Toronto and played the full game.
U.S. national team star Jermaine Jones entered the game in the 76th minute, his first appearance for the Revolution since May 31. He missed nine games due to a groin injury.
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With files from The Associated Press
News from © The Canadian Press, 2015