Toronto – TFC II secured their first point of the season with a scoreless draw with North Carolina FC on Wednesday night.
Just 24 hours after the first team’s first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Finals BMO Field played host to the Young Reds in their first home match of 2018.
Debutant Mariano Mino took little time making an impact as the Argentine midfielder was all over the pitch early on. His breakout moment came in the 23rd minute as he dashed his way through four North Carolina defenders before slipping the ball over to Shaan Hundal in a pocket of space. Hundal’s effort was unfortunately sent over the bar but it was a good flash of offense from the 24-year-old.
The Reds were unlucky to not get on the scoreboard again in the 35th as a Shaan Hundal show was heading into the goal but unluckily hit Aidan Daniels in an offside position so it was disallowed.
TFC II carried the play early in the second half and had a few chances to open the scoring the best coming from substitute Malik Johnson. The forward came streaking down the wing and into the box. He took his space and fired a rocket on goal but North Carolina ‘keeper Alex Tambakis did well to deny Johnson.
A veteran North Carolina side took control in the final 10 minutes as they pressed for the winner. However, Angelo Cavalluzzo made a pair of great stops to keep the clean sheet including this game saver.
The result moves TFC II to 0-3-1 on the young season. They return to action next Wednesday when they travel to Richmond to take on the Kickers. The game is set to start at 7:00 PM. You can catch all the action right here on TFC2.ca.
