Akinola's goal enough to lift Toronto FC over New England

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:13 am

Ayo Akinola's first-half strike gave Toronto FC a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass., on Wednesday.

In the 29th minute, Revolution defender Andrew Farrell seemingly outpaced Akinola to a long ball sent downfield, but Akinola took possession after a firm bump to muscle Farrell off balance.

From there, Akinola had plenty of room to convert his team-leading eighth goal of the season. There was no review of the play, despite the New England sideline's argument that Akinola shoved Farrell.

The victory puts Toronto (10-2-4, 34 points) in first place in the overall league standings. Toronto FC won their only Supporters' Shield in 2017, when the club also won the MLS Cup.

Toronto FC has won their last four games, and are 5-0-1 over their last six.

The Revolution entered the game on a four-game unbeaten streak (2-0-2) of their own, but suffered another setback on their home field. New England is 1-2-5 at home this season and has been shut out in five of those eight games.

The Revs (5-4-7, 22 points) came closest to equalizing when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 69th minute, but striker Adam Buksa's shot sailed well over the net.

Cristian Penilla had another close call for New England in the 82nd minute on a shot from outside the box that went just wide of the post.

The missed attempts underscored another frustrating offensive game for the Revs, who outshot Toronto FC by a 13-6 margin (6-3 in shots on net). New England has scored only 15 goals in 16 games this season.

Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono made six saves to continue his perfect 2020 season. The backup has recorded shutouts in all three of his games played.

Auro entered the game as a substitute in the 56th minute. The defender missed Toronto FC's previous four games due to an ankle injury.