Toronto FC II put on a scintillating offensive display during their 6-1 victory over Inter Miami II to earn MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchday 18 honors.
The match was a historic one for Toronto FC II, as they scored six goals in a single game for the first time in club history.
Inter Miami II struck first during the match, with Felipe Valencia finding the net in the 5th minute, courtesy of an assist from Cesar Abadia-Reda. The visitors held on to the lead heading into halftime but that’s when Toronto FC II shifted into high gear and began their goal-scoring spree.
A key moment in the match took place in the 54th minute when Miami's Kevin Gorbell received a red card after fouling Hugo Mbonge during a breakaway, resulting in his ejection from the match. This left Inter Miami II with only 10 players on the field for the majority of the second half.
With a numerical advantage, Toronto FC II capitalized on the situation and intensified their offensive attack.
In the 61st minute, Reshaun Walkes found some space behind the Inter Miami II backline and converted a precise delivery from Matthew Catavolo into a goal, leveling the score.
Hugo Mbongue would strike in the 66th minute when he leapt high for a headed pass from Markus Cimermancic to give TFC II the lead. The young forward wasn't done scoring yet when he scored his second of the night in the 75th minute with an assist from Reshaun Walkes.
The goal frenzy continued as Jesus Batiz joined the party in the 80th minute, extending Toronto FC II's lead and netting his team leading eight goal of the season. 22-year-old midfielder Themi Antonoglou then added his name to the scoresheet in the 88th minute giving TFC II their fifth goal of the night.
In stoppage time, the spotlight shifted to Toronto FC II’s talented academy prospects Dekwon Barrow and Marko Stojadinovic when the two Young Reds combined for TFC II’s sixth and final goal of the evening in the 93rd minute.
TFC II’s victory over Inter Miami II kept the Young Reds within striking range of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With eight games left in their season, they have a real opportunity to climb up the standings if they maintain the level of performance they showcased during Matchday 18.
TFC II will have a bye week during Matchday 19 but will face off against Columbus Crew 2 during Matchday 20 action on August 4th. You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
