Forge defeats slumping Toronto FC in opening leg of Canadian Championship semifinal

Despite another setback for Toronto FC on Wednesday, substitute Prince Owusu provided a much-needed lifeline for the struggling Major League Soccer team.

Trailing 2-0 against Canadian Premier League champion Forge FC in the first leg of their Canadian Championship semifinal, Toronto managed to score a crucial away goal in the 88th minute thanks to the German forward. This narrowed the deficit to 2-1, making the task a bit more manageable for TFC in the return leg at BMO Field on Aug. 21.

While the latest loss can still be turned into a victory, dark clouds continue to loom over TFC, as they struggled to capitalize on possession and displayed wasteful finishing.

Owusu finally broke through for Toronto with a goal from a goalmouth scramble following a corner, despite Forge players appealing for a foul on the play.

“The away goal was super important for us,” said Toronto coach John Herdman, who believed his team had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside.

“The second leg at home is going to be different. It’s going to feel different,” he added.

Beni Badibanga and Kwasi Poku scored for Forge, who took a 2-0 lead after 14 minutes and could have scored more if not for Toronto ‘keeper Luka Gavran.

“We’re a little bit disappointed that it’s not 3-0 at some point,” said Forge coach Bobby Smyrniotis. “Because we created some excellent opportunities.”

Thanks to the introduction of starters like Owusu, Matty Longstaff, and Kevin Long, Toronto launched a spirited late attack. There were over five minutes of frantic stoppage time, with Forge ‘keeper Chris Kalongo making a crucial save to deny Lorenzo Insigne and Toronto substitute Deandre Kerr missing a header wide.

Toronto had 68% possession, outshot Forge 18-10 (5-5 in shots on target), and earned eight corners compared to Forge’s four. TFC managed only one shot on target in the first half.

In the other cup semifinal, Pacific FC hosted the defending champion Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday.

Toronto, with a 7-13-3 record in MLS play, entered the game on a six-game losing streak and a nine-game winless streak in the league (0-7-2). Their last victory was on May 18 when they defeated semi-pro CS Saint-Laurent 8-1 in the cup quarterfinal.

Badibanga’s goal came from inside the Forge half after he noticed Gavran off his line. The former Belgian youth international launched a 60-yard shot, reminiscent of David Beckham, that sailed over Gavran’s head and into the Toronto goal.

Badibanga, who celebrated the remarkable goal with a double somersault, initiated the play by dispossessing Federico Bernardeschi.

“Hell of a goal,” remarked Herdman.

It was the second unusual goal Gavran had conceded in as many games, following Atlanta forward Jamal Thiaré’s late winner on June 29.

Poku doubled Forge’s lead three minutes later with a backheel goal at the near post after a slick passing sequence from Kyle Bekker, Tristan Borges, and David Choiniere.

TFC missed a golden opportunity when Bernardeschi set up Insigne in front of goal, but Insigne’s shot went wide. Bernardeschi, Toronto’s danger man, faced tough challenges from Forge players throughout the match.

The weather was 21°C at kickoff at Tim Hortons Field with thunderstorms in the forecast, and rain poured down at halftime.

Toronto and Forge have a history, meeting in the final of the 2020 Canadian Championship final, which TFC won in a penalty shootout.

Forge started seven Canadians in their lineup, while Toronto had three.

Toronto was missing Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, and Brandon Servania due to injuries, while Jonathan Osorio and Richie Laryea were away with Canada at Copa America.

Forge was without injured forward Terran Campbell and suspended Mexican fullback Daniel Parra.

Forge, with a 5-4-3 record in league play, had only won one of their previous five matches and currently sits fifth in the eight-team CPL.

TFC advanced to the semifinals by defeating Simcoe County Rovers 5-0 and CS Saint-Laurent 11-1 in the earlier rounds.

Forge overcame York United and CF Montreal to reach the semifinals.

Prior to this season, Forge had lost all four cup matches against MLS teams, including defeats to Toronto and CF Montreal in previous editions.

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