Toronto FC played Norway’s Fredrikstad FK in their first pre-season match on Thursday, ending the game in a 1-1 draw. The contest, held at La Quinta Football Center, featured a unique format of four 30-minute halves, with Toronto fielding two different starting lineups over the course of the game.
Corbeanu’s Fabulous Free Kick Puts Toronto FC Ahead
Theo Corbeanu, an international Canadian winger, opened his account for a new club within two minutes of coming on a beautiful free kick at 47 minutes. Corbeau curled a low shot around the wall that, bypassing the goalkeeper, gave Toronto the 1-0 lead. The most notable aspect was, nevertheless, the aim that kept them going-a glimpse of the potential of the new signing, who was on a season-long loan from Granada CF, Spain, with an option for a permanent deal.
Late Equalizer from Fredrikstad FK
Fredrikstad FK responded in the dying minutes of the match with an equalizer at 119′. A former Guinea youth international, Mai Traore, remained unmarked in front of the goals and deflected a cross past Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran to bring the score equal to 1-1.
Coach Fraser’s assessment of the match :
Toronto FC coach Robin Fraser said in his assessment, “The game was hectic early on, which I kind of expected. It’s the first time we’re actually playing against the opposition,” he said. Moving forward into the game, the first batch of players began to look more coherent, especially in their attacking combinations.
Fraser also highlighted Corbeanu’s performance, praising the new signing’s contribution to the team. “Theo did well,” he added, emphasizing the positive aspects of the team’s overall play despite the late equalizer.
Team Lineups and Important Events
Two lineups were used in the game. The first line consisted of goalkeeper Sean Johnson and star players Kevin Long, Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, and Jack Price, who is currently on trial with Toronto FC. Luka Gavran replaced Johnson in the second half, with other players including Lorenzo Insigne, Markus Cimermancic, and Hugo Mbongue.
Insigne barely saw any of the action during the game after he joined Toronto FC for the 2023 season, while Johnson hadn’t been otherwise busy with the goals he had to deal with. The complete opposite of Gavran, with his diving, saves robbing a certain goal, indicating he is endowed with good shot-stopping prowess.
Bernardeschi Injury Concerns
Federico Bernardeschi, who was reported with back stiffness in a couple of days leading up to the game, had to be substituted after 12 minutes. Coach Fraser said, “He’s had back stiffness for the last, maybe, 48 hours. He wanted to give it a try and he went in. It just didn’t make sense to push it at this point.” The Italian winger was replaced by Toronto FC 2 midfielder Markus Cimermancic, who impressed with a solid performance during his time on the field.
Toronto FC’s Next Preseason Match and Upcoming Schedule
After the draw with Fredrikstad FK, the Reds shall meet Sweden’s BK Hacken in their next preseason fixture. After this one, the team will return to Toronto, and then south to continue the training camp in Florida. The regular season is to commence on February 22, with TFC playing an away match against D.C. United.
Toronto FC is preparing for a new season in the MLS bracket as its team gears up for the tournament with Coach Fraser focusing on a build-up based on the performance of his charges in their first build-test of the season.
ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit No Longer Needed To Visit Pakistan, Opening Ceremony Cancelled
