Rookie Teal Bunbury came through with another game-winning goal as the Kansas City Wizards outlasted Toronto FC 1-0 on Saturday night in a tough Eastern Conference clash on Saturday night at a sold-out crowd CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
One week after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson, Bunbury provided the deciding goal in the 62nd minute, and the Wizards defense held a scuffling TFC attack in check to preserve the victory. Kansas City improved to 5-8-4 with the victory while Toronto fell to 6-6-5.
In what was a tight match, a defensive error was the difference in the match. With Kei Kamara applying pressure on the TFC defense, defender Adrian Cann botched a headed clearance directly into Bunbury’s path, and the striker snapped a header from the top of the penalty area that goalkeeper Stefan Frei tipped off the crossbar but couldn’t keep out.
The goal was Bunbury’s second of the season, coming only two weeks after his right-footed strike beat the Columbus Crew.
Kansas City had multiple chances to pad their lead in the final minutes but Josh Wolff’s shot was saved by Frei and substitute Birahim Diop shanked a gilt-edged opportunity from the top of the box.
Apart from the goal, neither side created many chances in a physical battle that mirrored the 0-0 draw the sides played to in Toronto in early June. The ball spent much of the game pinging around the midfield, and both sides had trouble finding space on the small CAB playing surface.
However, Toronto could have taken the all-important lead with its best chance of the game just before halftime. Making his first MLS start, TFC Designated Player Mista was played in behind the Wizards defense. With space to work with the striker took a magnificent touch and hit the ball on the half volley, but Nielsen got down to slap the ball out for a corner kick.
Kansas City was dealt a blow in the 56th minute when left winger Ryan Smith pulled up lame as he grabbed at his right hamstring. He was removed for Wolff two minutes later with a hamstring strain.
Team
Recap: Bunbury powers KC past Toronto
