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Sports

Chicago prolongs TFC's miserable start

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Toronto, ON – Toronto FC's miserable start to the Major League Soccer season continued on Saturday, falling to the Chicago Fire, 3-2, at BMO Field to remain without a point through its opening six games.

The loss sees Toronto tie the 2001 D.C. United side for the second-worst start to an MLS season. Should Aron Winter's men lose in their next outing, they will tie the 1999 Kansas City Wizards for the record with an 0-7-0 start.

Dominic Oduro gave Chicago an early lead before both sides combined for three goals in the span of five minutes. Reggie Lambe bagged a brace with goals in the 36th and 40th minutes before Gonzalo Segares ensured a 2-2 tie going into halftime. Patrick Nyarko provided the game-winner, converting on a breakaway in the 58th minute.

Toronto did not get off on the right foot on Saturday as a giveaway out of the back gifted Oduro a goal inside the opening minute. Torsten Frings, who curiously made a start in the center of Toronto's defense, was caught in possession by Nyarko, who played his strike partner in from close range. Oduro made no mistake with the scoring chance, slotting a shot past Milos Kocic for his third goal of the season.

But Toronto battled back and leveled through a brilliant strike from Lambe in the 36th minute. The Bermudan took advantage of a poor punch from Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson and ripped a shot from distance that sailed into the upper corner.

Lambe then gave Toronto its first lead of the season four minutes later, stuffing home a loose ball at the back post to rejuvenate the home side.

That lead only lasted one minute and 33 seconds though, as a pinpoint set-piece delivery from Sebastian Grazzini was met by a brilliant flick from Segares to cap a thrilling first half with plenty of two-way action.

The game-winner came with Nyarko and Oduro connecting once again. Oduro collected a pass from Logan Pause and promptly played a through ball to find a streaking Nyarko. The Ghanaian latched on and went around Kocic before calmly slotting home his first goal of the season.

Toronto pushed tirelessly for a later equalizer, but the Fire defense was up to the task as Johnson's heroics ensured all three points for the visitors.

Both sides return to action on April 28 with Chicago (2-1-2) welcoming Seattle Sounders FC to Toyota Park and Toronto (0-6-0) heading to Real Salt Lake in search of its first points.