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Fuad Ibrahim delivered the game's best moment at the 61st minute with his first goal of 2010, that eventually stood as the 1-0 winner.
The Reds had failed to generate much in way of possession in the first half as long balls resulting in turnovers plagued the attack. Preki altered the formation to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half with Barrett on the left. From there the converted winger floated in a cross which Ibrahim attacked between two defenders, before placing the ball past a stranded Matt Pickens. The 18-year old showed the kind of hunger in fighting for that ball Preki demands of his players.
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It wasn't easy for Toronto defenders, but the backline was able to repel the twin threat of Colorado forwards Conor Casey and Omar Cummings which helped to extend Toronto's MLS unbeaten streak to eight.
Toward the end the Reds looked likely to concede but between the heroics of Nana Attakora, the persistence of Adrian Cann, Dan Gargan risking his health, an alert Nick LaBrocca and the outstanding Stefan Frei in goal - (with honourable mention to Maxim Usanov and Nick Garcia) - the Reds were able to withstand a frantic finish and avoid heartbreak. The result ended Colorado's six game undefeated run.
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Dan Gargan was the Carlsberg Man of the Match. It's a good choice as he showed versatility going from a fullback to holding midfielder at the restart. He also turned away a Jeff Larentowicz shot using his face.
As worthy as Gargan is, this space belongs to Stefan Frei for three tremendous stops on way to earning his sixth clean sheet. At the 46th minute Cummings looked to punish Cann for a mistake but Frei ranged to deny an opening goal. At the 82nd, former Argentina superstar Claudio Lopez nearly nicked in from distance, but for Frei's fingertips. Then at the 95th, a Larentowicz roller also failed to find a finish, thanks to Frei.
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Toronto (4-4-2): Stefan Frei, Nana Attakora, Adrian Cann, Dan Gargan, Maxim Usanov, Martin Saric (Maicon Santos 46'), Nick LaBrocca, Fuad Ibrahim, Dwayne De Rosario, Chad Barrett (Gabe Gala 69'), O'Brian White (Nick Garcia 46').
Unused Subs: Jon Conway, Ty Harden, Jacob Peterson, Joseph Nane.
Goals: Ibrahim 61'
Discipline: Gargan 20' (caution)
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Thursday, July 17 @ Philadelphia
MLS - Week 16
3:30 PM (CBC)
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GAME NOTES:.
Toronto is set to meet Philadelphia for the second time next week at the brand new PPL Park. Reds beat the Union 2-1 in their only other meeting at BMO Field.
Philadelphia opened their new home with a 3-1 win over Seattle on June 27. The expansion team will be eager to give their supporters more entertainment against Toronto.
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| 10-9 |
Toronto outshot Houston. Reds' Newcomer Maicon Santos had three. |
| 5 |
Teams were even for shots on target. Colorado would have had more but for stalwart Toronto defending. |
| 13 |
Total number of fouls in the match (Toronto with seven). |
| 10 |
How many games the Reds have played at home this year in all competitions - losing none. |
| 11 |
Toronto is undefeated in this many matches from all competitions (eight in MLS). |
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"I thought we made a couple of defensive mistakes ... that should never happen. But it happened and (I thought) Stefan was pretty good today. He made a few good saves." - Preki expressed his displeasure on some mental errors, but praised his team for fighting as a group to overcome their mistakes.
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"Everytime I get a chance, I try to work hard and put myself in a position to score. I think I did that today so I just have to keep pushing." - Fuad Ibrahim on his first goal of 2010 and making the most of a rare chance to start in a league game.
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"I was just trying to stay low because there was a lot of people. I just tried to keep my eye on the ball ... just get it out of danger, restart." - Nick LaBrocca on a ball he cleared off the line late in the game while guarding the post, as his former team came looking for the equalizer.
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