Dallas Cup Super Group Day 1: MLS academies face Brazilian clubs

Toronto FC vs Red Bull Brazil – Bracket C

(Via Dallas Cup) – It was a gusty day in Dallas as Toronto FC and Red Bull Brazil squared off in the first match of Bracket C. The game started well for Red Bull, who had an abundance of possession in Toronto’s half, getting multiple corners to start the game. In the 19th minute, Red Bull had a 4 on two opportunity, but couldn’t capitalize the advantage.

It was Toronto who struck first in the 26th minute, as Matthew Srbely played a perfectly placed through ball to Malik Johnson, who beat the defense with his run. His shot was saved by Red Bull  keeper Jordan, but the rebound came back to Johnson, who put it in the back of the net.

Toronto started the second half strong, almost scoring early on in the half, but a very tight off-side decision led to the goal being disallowed. Johnson grabbed his second goal in the 57’ minute, as he was again in a great position, and slot it past the keeper to make it 2-0. Toronto almost added a third, but Ethan Beckford had his backheel attempt blocked by the defense.

The latter part of the half was played in Toronto’s side of the field, as Red Bull looked to make the comeback. The game became chippier as Red Bull pushed on and TFC resisted. Bruno Felipe created a great opportunity, but hit the post. Red Bull got one back in the 91st minute, as Bocchio, was able to flick it past the keeper and then tap it in the back of the net. Almost as soon as the game kicked off, Red Bull was given another opportunity, with Vitinho getting a great chance for a shot. However, the reactions of Gianluca Catalano were too quick and he saved the effort, securing the 2-1 victory for Toronto.

“I think it was a good performance,” Toronto FC coach Danny Dichio said. “The team had to adjust to the conditions. Our team reached the tactical objections we talked about before the game. They adjusted to the Brazilians who were very technically gifted as we know. We were dangerous on the counter attack today. We are very happy and it’s our first win, but we know the preparation for the next game is a short turnaround.

Real Salt Lake vs Coritiba – Bracket A

The second Supergroup game at Richland was another MLS-Brazilian league matchup, as Real Salt Lake played Coritiba.

Salt Lake began the game dominating possession in their half. The game was very back and forth, but both teams didn’t create a true attacking opportunity in the first half.

The second half was more of the same. In the 60th minute, Matheus Santos da Cunha fought off a defender and played a great ball into the box. It was headed in, but the goal was off-side. Salt Lake almost had a chance after a turnover led to a break, but couldn’t get the right pass in the final third. Jared Osgood communicated with his defense all game and made some great saves, including one in the 74th minute, denying Thalisson da Silva of the opening goal of the game.

Coritiba opened up the scoring late in the 89th minute with a shot from 25 yards out by de Cunha. He took the ball and hit it and all Osgood could do is watch as it went in.

But Salt Lake would not give up and in the 92nd minute Nikolai Shumov struck a low driven shot past the keeper from about 20 yards out to tie the game at one and rescue a point for the MLS side.