Daniel Salloi scores late as Toronto FC beats FC Cincinnati 1-0
Daniel Salloi scored in the 86th minute to lift Toronto FC to a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Sunday in Major League Soccer play at TQL Stadium.
The goal came after a turnover by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. His throw landed at the feet of Richie Laryea, who carried the ball forward before finding Salloi inside the box. The Hungarian international controlled the pass and fired a low right-footed shot past Celentano.
It was Salloi’s first goal for Toronto after joining the club in February following a trade from Sporting Kansas City.
“I love making that run off the wing,” Salloi said after the match. “Richie played an unbelievable ball. I took a good touch and finished it well.”
The goal also marked Toronto’s first win and first goal at TQL Stadium since the venue opened in 2021.
Toronto holds off Cincinnati pressure
After falling behind late, Cincinnati pushed for an equalizer, but Toronto held firm defensively to secure its first victory of the season.
Cincinnati finished with a 15-10 advantage in total shots, though Toronto generated more attempts on target, 7-2.
“It’s a performance to be proud of,” Toronto head coach Robin Fraser said. “At the same time, we know there are areas where we still need to improve.”
Toronto entered the match after opening the season with road losses to FC Dallas and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Chances at both ends
Toronto created several opportunities in the first half, with Djordje Mihailovic playing a central role in the attack.
Emilio Aristizábal nearly connected with a Mihailovic cross in the 16th minute, while Celentano made key saves late in the first half to deny both Aristizábal and Laryea.
Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran delivered one of the game’s best defensive moments in the 67th minute, producing an acrobatic save to stop a curling effort from Pavel Bucha.
Two minutes later, defender Walker Zimmerman was forced to leave the match after a collision earlier in the half.
Fraser later said Zimmerman experienced some effects from the contact but was feeling better after the game.
New faces continue to integrate
Toronto’s lineup featured several new additions as the club continues to reshape its roster.
Chilean international defender Benjamin Kuscevic made his debut for the club, while Colombian forward Emilio Aristizábal earned his first start after appearing as a substitute in the first two matches of the season.
Newly signed designated player Josh Sargent was not in the lineup.
Toronto has added several players during the offseason, including goalkeeper William Yarbrough, defenders Raheem Edwards, Kuscevic, Zimmerman and Matheus Pereira, as well as forwards Salloi, Aristizábal and Sargent.
Up Next
Toronto FC will return home next Saturday for its season opener at BMO Field against the New York Red Bulls, coached by former Toronto captain Michael Bradley.
