Toronto FC's new Italian duo shine in big win over Charlotte FC

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:55 am

Michael Bradley scored twice to help Toronto FC to a 4-0 rout against visiting Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Federico Bernardeschi tallied a goal and an assist and Lorenzo Insigne had an assist in their MLS debuts.

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Toronto (6-12-4, 22 points) snapped a four-game winless streak, scoring more goals than its previous five matches combined (three).

Charlotte (8-12-2, 26 points) lost its second straight.

Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi made an instant impact for Toronto FC.
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Jonathan Osorio gave the home side a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute.

Insigne tried to feed the midfielder at the top of the box, but the ball bounced quickly out of reach. Charlotte defender Guzman Corujo tried to clear but his attempt hit Osorio on the back just outside the goal area and bounced into the net.

Bradley made it 2-0 in the 10th minute off a corner from Bernardeschi, heading it in from the right side of the goal area into the far side.

The visitors struggled to generate any form of attack and were held without a shot attempt through the first 13 minutes.

Mark-Anthony Kaye sent a short touch-pass over to Bernardeschi outside the box and the Italian international struck quickly from long range to push the lead to 3-0 in the 31st minute.

Karol Swiderski had a chance for Charlotte in the 34th minute when he found himself alone in front of goalkeeper Alex Bono on the right side, but Bono made the save.

Bradley's second of the match exten