March 8, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Toronto FC forward Daniel Saloy (20) controls the ball during the first half against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Image Daniel Salloi broke a scoreless tie in the 86th minute with a sharp dribbler that found the right side of the goal, and Toronto FC emerged as winners after beating hosts FC Cincinnati 1-0 on Sunday.
Toronto (1-2-0, 3 points) was aggressively in control throughout the game. However, he started to put pressure on Cincinnati’s defensive line when needed. It culminated in Salloi’s game-winning goal, his first goal of the season.
It was a tough effort for Toronto FC, playing their third straight road match to start the season. Luka Gavran made two saves and accumulated 19 clearances, helped by Toronto’s strong defensive line.
FC Cincinnati (1-2-0, 3 points) had several opportunities to equalize, but failed to score.
Cincinnati won possession battles 55.8% to 44.2%, making 15 shots, including 2 on goal.
Evander, last year’s leading scorer, had a good performance in the 92nd minute for Cincinnati, but his shot flew high over the net and into the Cincinnati supporters’ area.
Cincinnati had just 12 clearances and allowed seven shots on goal.
Roman Celentano had six saves for Cincinnati. Celentano’s biggest save of the night came in the 84th minute. He was taken out of the game by deflecting Toronto forward Deandre Kerr’s shot over the net. He gave up the winning goal in just one minute.
Sunday night’s game was very physical, with a total of 25 fouls committed and two yellow cards on either side.
There were several calls, or lack of calls, in the first half that caused doubt and anxiety among the Cincinnati home crowd. Some have led to extended stoppages in play, adding extra time to each half. A total of 11 minutes of stoppage time were added, including 4 minutes in the first half and 7 minutes in the second half.
–Field level media
