Daniel Salloi’s late chance denied as Toronto FC and San Jose Earthquakes settled for a 1-1 draw at BMO Field.
Toronto FC carved out a point in a tense 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, but it also felt like the kind of match decided by inches.
The Reds and the league-leading Earthquakes exchanged goals in the first half at BMO Field. with Toronto finding a way to stay level even as the afternoon turned into a late-game scramble.. For the visitors. it was a rare stumble after a start that had them sitting on top. while Toronto extended their stretch of staying competitive despite a heavy injury burden.
In the second minute, Daniel Salloi struck from the left side of the box, finishing with a shot into the far corner after Jonathan Osorio’s pass set him up. It was Salloi’s team-leading fourth goal of the season, and it gave Toronto an early lift before San Jose responded quickly.
Just 12 minutes later, Preston Judd redirected a free kick taken by Niko Tsakiris to restore parity in the 14th minute. Osorio then endured a painful moment when he was clipped by Ronaldo Vieira in the 36th minute, though he stayed on the field as Vieira received a booking for the foul.
Meanwhile. the match’s momentum swung again before halftime: Luka Gavran was called on in stoppage time to make a key save. keeping the game tied as San Jose pressed.. Moments later in the second half. there were further turning points. including a potential hand ball appeal near the Toronto goal and a San Jose goal that did not stand because of offside.
Toronto’s late drama arrived in the 86th minute. Salloi directed a bouncing ball toward the open net, only for San Jose defender Daniel Munie to clear it away just before it could cross the line. Even with the Reds pushing for the winner, the finish ultimately landed on a draw.
That result matters for Toronto as they remain sixth in the Eastern Conference. especially given how depleted the squad has been.. With multiple key players missing and others limited. grinding out a point against the top team in MLS is a statement of resilience. even if the headlines will focus on the near-miss.
Misryoum will continue to track how Toronto manages its returning and injured list, and whether San Jose can turn this first draw into momentum as the season moves forward.