Toronto draw with Whitecaps on late goal

Substitute Nick DeLeon scored in the 90th minute on a shot that deflected off a defender on its way past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, and Toronto FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday night at BC Place.

DeLeon's second goal of the season -- after going more than two full MLS campaigns without one -- rescued TFC (5-6-3, 18 points). Six minutes earlier, Fredy Montero's penalty kick put the Whitecaps (4-6-6, 18 points) in front on what was their only shot on target.

DeLeon entered the match five minutes after halftime, when injury forced off Richie Laryea, on a night when TFC's winless stretch grew to six matches (0-4-2) despite the late goal.

Injury also forced Toronto coach Greg Vanney to remove defender Chris Mavinga before halftime on a night when the Reds were already without Michael Bradley (hamstring) and Jonathan Osorio (hip).

Meanwhile, Vancouver's Yordy Reyna entered in the 62nd minute after missing six games with a hamstring injury. And 21 minutes later, he got behind defender Drew Moor to win the penalty that, despite DeLeon's late equalizer, helped the Whitecaps stretch their unbeaten run to four games (1-0-3).

Montero stepped up and smashed home his third spot kick and fifth overall goal this season.

Six minutes later, the ball fell to DeLeon, who took a speculative shot from the right side of the penalty area that deflected off the thigh of defender Ali Adnan and gave Crepeau little chance.

The Canada international goalkeeper was otherwise solid for the hosts, finishing with four saves.

Toronto had the better of the opening half but few concrete chances to show for it. The best came in the 35th minute when Terrence Boyd ran onto Liam Fraser's diagonal ball but scuffed his breakaway effort directly at Crepeau.

The Vancouver goalie also dived right to deny Marco Delgado's effort in the 69th minute, and he reacted to keep Jozy Altidore's shot from sneaking inside the near post three minutes later.