Defoe evens for Toronto with late PK

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:33 am

TORONTO -- Jermain Defoe's 63rd-minute penalty kick lifted Toronto FC into a 1-1 tie with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday night.

The goal was Defoe's third in two games and 11th in 13 MLS outings.

Vancouver (6-4-8) took a 1-0 lead on Darren Mattocks' goal in the 50th minute after former Toronto FC midfielder Matias Laba pounced on a loose touch by striker Luke Moore near the halfway line.

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Laba drove forward, and two passes later, Russell Teibert raked a cross across the box that eluded three defenders before Mattocks tapped in his third goal of the season.

Toronto (7-5-4) struck back after Brazilian winger Jackson went down in the box following contact with Nigel Reo-Coker. The English midfielder and Vancouver bench were incensed at referee Allen Chapman's call.

Defoe then calmly beat goalie David Ousted for the goal.