Recap: Toronto FC concedes twice in stoppage time, loses season opener in D.C.

D.C. United came from behind to defeat Toronto 3-2 on Saturday night.

It was an evening to forget for the Toronto FC players, as they squandered a 2-1 lead late in the second half.

In truth, there were not many highlights from this match for TFC to look back on.

They found themselves trailing just 13 minutes in, D.C. debutant Mateusz Klich scored from distance.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors, as star man Lorenzo Insigne was forced off in the 34th minute with a suspected lower leg injury. His replacement Ayo Akinola had a couple glimpses at goal in the first half but was not able to put the ball past goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

New starting striker Adama Diomande thought he scored in the 52nd minute to level it at one goal apiece, but he was ruled offside because he was ahead of the last defender when Richie Laryea sent a through ball to him.

The Reds were given a lifeline in the 65th minute as Laryea won a penalty after he was taken down in the box by 16 year-old defender Matai Akinmboni.

Federico Bernardeschi stepped up and converted the spot kick.

16 minutes later, Bernardeschi took a shot from a free kick which Miller partially saved, the ball redirected off the post and fell into the path of Mark-Anthony Kaye who put away the rebound – his first goal with the senior team.

The lead lasted merely minutes before D.C. found an equaliser. Christian Benteke’s header made it 2-2.

The knockout blow was provided by homegrown player Ted Ku-Dipietro, his first MLS goal.

Toronto FC’s next match is away to Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium next Saturday.

Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm EST.