Toronto FC's rare comeback drops FC Cincinnati to last

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:03 am

Toronto FC scored three second-half goals for a rare comeback victory, defeating visiting FC Cincinnati 3-2 on Wednesday.

Down 1-0 in the 48th minute, Toronto FC (5-15-7, 22 points) equalized on Jacob Shaffelburg's third goal of the season. The fuse was lit for Toronto's attack, as Marco Delgado and Ifunanyachi Achara each added goals within the next 17 minutes.

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It was the first time in 18 games (1-14-3) this season that Toronto won after surrendering the opening goal. The victory moved Toronto ahead of Cincinnati in the standings, dropping FC Cincinnati into last place in the Eastern Conference.

Ronald Matarrita and Luciano Acosta scored for Cincinnati, as interim head coach Tyrone Marshall made his debut on the sidelines. FC Cincinnati (4-14-8, 20 points) fired former coach Jaap Stam on Monday.

FC Cincinnati have just one win in their last 17 (1-9-7) games, and Wednesday's result extended their losing streak to four games.

While Toronto FC generated most of the attacking pressure in the first 45 minutes, Matarrita's strike in the 38th minute put FC Cincinnati ahead on their only real chance of the first half.

Toronto FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Cincinnati in MLS.
Toronto FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Cincinnati in MLS.
USA Today Images

In the 48th minute, Yeferson Soteldo and Shaffelburg were sprung on a Delgado pass downfield. Shaffelburg cut between two Cincinnati defenders to take Soteldo's pass and finish a tremendous play.

Shaffelburg then displayed his playmaking prowess by assisting on Toronto FC's next two goals. In the 55th minute, the midfielder sent a perfectly placed ball from the left side to Delgado at the near post.

In the 65th minute, Achara scored what ended up as the game-winner by finishing off another strong set of passes from Soteldo and Shaffelburg.

Just when it seemed Toronto was cruising to a dominant win, Acosta scored in the 72nd minute to bring Cincinnati back within striking distance. Acosta has six goals in his first season with FC Cincinnati.

In the wake of a six-game losing streak, Toronto FC is now 2-0-1 in their last three matches.