Washington, D.C. – Toronto FC kicked off their 2025 Major League Soccer season with high expectations but were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday night. The match marked the opening of the league's thirtieth season and Toronto’s nineteenth.
Heading the TFC bench for the first time, new head coach Robin Fraser guided his team to rally twice from behind, showcasing determination but emphasizing the work still needed to regain their past playoff form. After former Toronto player Brandon Servania fouled Richie Laryea just inside the penalty area, Federico Bernardeschi expertly converted the penalty kick to equalize for Toronto late in the match.
The game began with both teams displaying attacking intent on a chilly night of 3°C, feeling even colder due to the wind. D.C. United opened the scoring early, with Boris Enow netting his first career MLS goal only eight minutes in. The former Maccabi Netanya player displayed impressive control, capitalizing on Wingo’s mistake to fire past TFC’s Sean Johnson.
Toronto responded consistently, leveling the score at 1-1 through captain Jonathan Osorio, whose instinctive goal followed after Kim Joon Hong mishandled Wingo’s low cross. The equalizer demonstrated Toronto's resilience, but it was short-lived as Belgian striker Christian Benteke reclaimed D.C.’s lead just before halftime with a powerful header off Jacob Murrell’s cross.
The first half ended with D.C. United leading 2-1, leaving Toronto to regroup for the second half. Despite being down, Toronto’s offense began to click. Bernardeschi looked to find teammates with well-timed passes, and shots kept coming as TFC searched for answers against D.C.’s defense.
The second stanza saw Toronto pushing harder for the equalizer, controlling possession and generating several goal-scoring opportunities. Bernardeschi's moment arrived shortly after Laryea was fouled, resulting in the pivotal penalty kick. The Italian star made no mistake, leveling the match at 2-2 with only 20 minutes remaining.
Robin Fraser’s coaching debut wasn’t without its challenges, as Toronto struggled intermittently with D.C. United’s aggressive pressing strategy. The Reds made plenty of avoidable errors, which unveiled D.C.’s counter-attack opportunities.
"It was not how we planned to start, but the truth is my players showed great character to come back twice and earn this point, which could prove valuable later on," Fraser remarked after the game.
Toronto featured new signings and debuts, with youthful midfielders Markus Cimermancic and Theo Corbeanu making their presence felt. Monlouis, who came from Arsenal, debuted late, marking another significant moment for coach Fraser as he gets acquainted with his squad. Controller of the midfield, Osorio, noted the importance of maintaining team unity moving forward.
On the opposing side, D.C. United demonstrated moments of brilliance but also revealed irrational vulnerabilities, especially in the backline. While coach Wayne Rooney saw his team playing some attractive football, the inconsistency may frustrate fans wanting to see their team return to playoff contention after narrowly missing out last season.
"Tonight was tough on us," Rooney said reflecting on his team's ability to control the game. "We need to tighten up defensively if we are to move up the table this season."
The intense game also presented players from both teams with opportunities to shine individually. While Kim Joon Hong had his share of mishaps, he redeemed himself making several key saves, showcasing potential as D.C.'s last line of defense. His performance will be analyzed critically, but his presence certainly offered moments of hope for D.C. United fans.
Toronto FC's historical performance indicates continuous frustrations during season openers, now sitting at one victory from the last six curtain-raisers, with the last win coming back in 2019 against Philadelphia.
With this draw, neither team could seize early momentum. Toronto next faces Orlando City away, hoping to bargain for their first victory against D.C. United, who will meet Chicago Fire next five days later. With their first match of the season complete, both sides will reflect on their performances as they solidify identity and consistency moving forward. The season has just begun, but the narrative is already compelling!