After a first half where everything seemed to go wrong, D.C. United could be forgiven for packing it in and focusing on damage limitation against Toronto FC. Ayo Akinola had two goals, and Junior Moreno was sent off just before the halftime whistle. Instead, the Black-and-Red dug deep, turning a nightmare of an MLS is Back Tournament opener into a stunning 2-2 draw thanks to late, late goals by Federico Higuain and Frederic Brillant.
With both teams trying to feel their way through the game, Toronto took an early lead seemingly out of the blue.