Toronto FC earns point with late goal, but winless skid hit seven games

Video almost killed Toronto in its attempt for a feel-good result heading into the Gold Cup break.

On two occasions, Sporting Kansas City was awarded penalty kicks and Felipe Gutierrez made good on both to grab a 2-1 lead at BMO Field.

Referee Fotis Bazakos was called upon by the video assistance referee to take a look at two possible fouls inside the box that initially went undetected.

The second, a tripping foul to Toronto midfielder Nick DeLeon, resulted in Gutierrez’s penalty kick in the 73rd minute to break a 1-1 draw. DeLeon was yellow-carded for the play.

Kansas City snatched a 1-0 lead on a successful penalty kick from Gutierrez in the 25th minute. Toronto defender Drew Moor fouled Gerso on the edge of the 18-yard box.

Bazakos was summoned to the sidelines for a video review, and it was determined the foul occurred inside the 18-yard line. As a result, Kansas City was awarded a penalty kick.

Toronto drew level late in the first half. DeLeon finished off a dandy passing play from defender Justin Morrow and Alejandro Pozuelo.

Pozuelo was on his game early. His fancy footwork earned Toronto two opportunities.

He deked his way into the box for a play that resulted in a corner kick. Pozuelo curved the corner to produce an on-target header from Eriq Zavaleta. But Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia was in the right place to make the save in the 12th minute.

A through ball from Pozuelo to forward Terrence Boyd produced a solid header. But the play was ruled offside in the 20th minute.

Toronto produced two more close calls before its equalizer. Liam Fraser’s header seemed destined for the right corner of the Kansas City goal, but Melia made a diving stop. A give-and-go between Morrow and Marco Delgado resulted in Morrow’s left-footed shot sliding inches past the post.

Coach Greg Vanney’s side was without United States internationals Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore as well as Canadians Jonathan Osorio and Ashtone Morgan. All four are on international duty ahead of the Gold Cup. Defenders Auro (hamstring) and Chris Mavinga (hamstring) also missed the match.

Moor wore the captain’s band in Bradley’s absence.

Kansas City (3-5-7) was missing Botond Barath, Krisztian Nemeth, Nico Hasler and Johnny Russell. They were all overseas for UEFA 2020 European qualifiers this weekend.

Toronto doesn’t play again until June 22 in Dallas because of the league’s Gold Cup break.

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Toronto FC earns point with late goal, but winless skid hit seven games

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