FRISCO, TX – Toronto FC continued their revival under head coach Paul Mariner, extending their unbeaten streak to five games with a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas at a sold out FC Dallas Stadium on Wednesday. The draw continued the home side’s slump, extending their franchise-record winless streak to 12 games, now tied for the fifth-longest in MLS history.
FCD jumped out to a dream start with their earliest goal of the season. In the fifth minute, a Daniel Hernandez corner was cleared to Jackson 35 yards from goal. The Brazilian sent a curling ball to Andrew Jacobson, whose smart header back across the box was in turn headed home by Zach Loyd for his second goal of the year.
OPTA Chalkboard: FCD, TFC create from wide areas all night
In what developed into a thoroughly entertaining first half, TFC equalized through Danny Koevermans in the 31st minute. A cross from Terry Dunfield was never effectively cleared with the ball eventually falling to former Dallas man Eric Avila. Avila shook Loyd and fired in a waist-high rocket that Koevermans flicked past Kevin Hartman and into the net for his ninth goal of the season. It was also the fifth straight game that the Dutchman has found the net, tied with Chris Wondolowski for the longest such streak in MLS this season.
Dallas nearly took the lead back straight away in the 33rd minute, but TFC goalkeeper Milos Kocic was able to tip Fabian Castillo’s stinging shot off the crossbar and away. The save was one of two Kocic had in the first half.
In the 57th minute, a moment 15 months in the making finally happened as 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira made his return to the pitch for the first time since breaking his ankle on April 23, 2011.
Ferreira instantly energized FCD, finding Brek Shea running into space several times, but after the initial burst TFC began to take control and get on the front foot.The Canadian side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the last 30 minutes, with the best chance coming on an 84th-minute header by Koevermans saved well by a diving Hartman.
It’s right back to work for FC Dallas (3-9-6; 15 points) this weekend as they stay home to host San Jose.
