Washington, D.C. — Toronto FC began the Major League Soccer season with a bang, managing to secure a 2-2 draw against D.C. United on Saturday night at Audi Field. The match was characterized by quick attacks and defensive lapses, culminating in Federico Bernardeschi’s decisive penalty kick at the 70th minute.
The action took off early when Boris Enow put D.C. United on the board just eight minutes after kickoff, marking his first career goal. Enow capitalized on poor marking from Toronto, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Sean Johnson. This was not the start head coach Robin Fraser wanted as he kicked off his era with the team.
Toronto responded energetically, with Jonathan Osorio leveling the score at 1-1 in the 27th minute. He found himself at the right place to finish off the messy play initiated by D.C. United’s goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong, who misplayed the ball following a low cross.
D.C. regained the lead shortly thereafter, with the imposing Christian Benteke scoring from close range with his trademark header, re-establishing D.C.'s 2-1 advantage just before halftime. The reigning Golden Boot winner, Benteke’s clinical finishing remains key to D.C.'s strategy this season, as he demonstrated his aerial prowess once again.
Fraser’s squad started the second half with renewed vigor, and their determination paid off when Richie Laryea was fouled by Brandon Servania, which led to the penalty awarded by referee Sergii Boiko. Bernardeschi, who had been relatively quiet earlier, stepped up and expertly converted the penalty, leveling the match at 2-2—a significant moment ensuring his involvement remained impactful.
Despite both teams pushing for the win, the score remained tied, as Kim made several impressive saves, displaying resilience after initially struggling. Toronto maintained pressure but could not break through D.C.'s rejuvenated defense, leaving both teams with shared points.
This match also marked Bernardeschi's continued role as a key player for Toronto, having scored eight times and assisted another eight last season. His growth under Fraser's leadership remains something to monitor as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, D.C. United’s coach Troy Lesesne expressed mixed feelings about the game, feeling both elated and frustrated. "There’s mistakes from us. There’s mistakes from Toronto. It’s the first game of the season," Lesesne commented, pointing out the need for improvement, especially after the team’s failure to convert potential chances.
The result leaves D.C. United still yearning to break their five-season playoff dry spell, and they will look to build momentum as they prepare for their next match against the Chicago Fire. Toronto, on the other hand, heads to Orlando City next Saturday, eager to turn competent draws like this one on the road to wins.
Overall, the season opener was filled with significant moments for both sides, showcasing their strengths and weaknesses at the outset of the 2025 MLS season. With Robin Fraser at the helm, Toronto FC appears ready to tackle the challenges ahead, but ensuring defensive solidity will be pivotal for their playoff ambitions this year.