Toronto FC produced a stirring late comeback to claim a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC in a six-goal MLS thriller at BMO Field on Wednesday night.
Charlotte made the sharper start and were ahead inside eight minutes through Rodolfo Aloko, who gave the visitors an early advantage. Toronto responded well, however, with Markus Cimermancic leveling the match in the 13th minute.
The visitors restored their lead seven minutes later when Idan Toklomati struck in the 20th minute, sending Charlotte into half-time 2-1 ahead despite a competitive opening period from the home side.
The fixture turned further in Charlotte’s favor shortly after the interval. Toronto defender Walker Zimmerman was sent off in the 56th minute, leaving the Reds with a difficult task for the remaining half-hour. Charlotte capitalized two minutes later as Henry Kessler headed home in the 58th minute to make it 3-1.
Yet Toronto refused to fold. Dániel Sallói cut the deficit with a goal in the 76th minute, setting up a tense finish as the hosts pressed forward despite their numerical disadvantage. The equalizer arrived in the 90th minute, when Niklas Dorsch found the decisive late contribution to complete a remarkable recovery.
Charlotte had more of the ball, finishing with 54.4 percent possession, and put 10 of their 16 attempts on target. Toronto were equally productive in front of goal, though, recording 16 shots, six on target and six corners in an urgent attacking display.
The draw is a legitimate reward for Toronto’s resilience after playing the closing stages with 10 men, while Charlotte will feel frustrated to have let a two-goal lead slip. Toronto FC return to action against Inter Miami CF on Saturday, while Charlotte FC face D.C. United.
Goals
- Charlotte FC: Rodolfo Aloko, 8′
- Toronto FC: Markus Cimermancic, 13′
- Charlotte FC: Idan Toklomati, 20′
- Charlotte FC: Henry Kessler, 58′
- Toronto FC: Dániel Sallói, 76′
- Toronto FC: Niklas Dorsch, 90′
