August 5, 2017 USL Toronto FC II--Toronto FC II vs Charleston Battery game review (from uslsoccer.com)
Toronto Continues Charleston’s Slide By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/05/17, 6:35PM EDT Battery winless streak reaches six games as Hundal’s goal earns victory VAUGHAN, Ont. – Toronto FC II took a 1-0 victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday afternoon at the Ontario Soccer Centre as Shaan Hundal scored the only goal of the game. The loss extended the Battery’s winless streak to six games. The Battery (10-5-7, 37pts) had the first real chance of the game when Skylar Thomas almost scored against his former side in the 18th minute off a free kick, but his effort was blocked behind for a corner from close range. TFC II (4-12-5, 17pts) threatened twice around the half-hour mark, but neither Malik Johnson or Tsubasa Endoh found produce a finish to challenge Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper. Charleston’s Neveal Hackshaw also had a good chance in the 38th minute, but sent his shot straight at TFC II’s Angelo Cavalluzzo, and the Reds’ goalkeeper had to be sharp seven minutes later as Quinton Griffith was denied after getting into the left side of the penalty area. Toronto took the lead in the 52nd minute, however, as Hundal scored his first goal of the season with a low shot from the left side of the penalty area. Johnson went close for Toronto moments later, only for Cooper to make a good save. Charleston’s Ricky Garbanzo almost found an equalizer with nine minutes to go as a corner from the right came to him 16 yards out, only for Cavalluzzo to tip his shot over the crossbar. Charleston believed it had claimed an equalizer deep in stoppage time, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Cavalluzzo, and the hosts held on for their second win all-time against the Battery. Scoring: 52’ – TOR – Shaan Hundal (Tsubasa Endoh) •#TORvCHS: Full Match and Opta Box Score Three Things That Matter: •1. Just as it proved against Ottawa Fury FC last month, Toronto FC II might not be a contender to reach the USL Cup Playoffs this season, but it could still play a role down the final stretch of the season as a spoiler for the teams trying either get into the postseason, or earn a place near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The Battery suffered a similar defeat two seasons ago in Toronto, the only previous time the Reds have taken victory against Charleston. This result, though, opened the race at the top of the conference even more, and should stand as a warning for others who still have to head to the Ontario Soccer Centre this season. •2. The Battery’s second loss to Toronto FC II couldn’t have come at a worse time for the side, which will now likely see its position atop the Eastern Conference be taken by one of its rivals later tonight. Charleston was without some key figures, including leading scorer Romario Williams, that didn’t help the side’s cause, but with the club’s winless streak now at six games, the visit of the New York Red Bulls II becomes even more critical than it was previously. •3. Shaan Hundal’s potential has been evident over the past two USL seasons, earning the Canadian U20 international the No. 4 position in this year’s USL 20 Under 20 last month. What Hundal hadn’t had this season until this point was something to show for his work, with injury hindering his progress this season. The 18-year’s first goal of the season, though, epitomized why he’s rated so highly. Latching onto a good pass over the top by Tsubasa Endoh, Hundal used his frame to hold off a defender and fired a precise finish home. Both he, and the club, will hope that is a sign of what’s to come in the remainder of 2017 for the talented forward. USLSoccer.com Man of the Match Tsubasa Endoh, Toronto FC II – Endoh produced the only goal of the game, and was excellent elsewhere as he created two more scoring chances and completed 28 of 32 passes for the contest. Upcoming Games: Toronto FC II vs. Charlotte Independence – August 9, 8 p.m. ET, MUSC Health Stadium Charleston Battery vs. New York Red Bulls II – August 12, 7 p.m. ET, MUSC Health Stadium
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