There was no teenage awkwardness for a pair of Toronto FC players on Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
A pair of 19-year-olds – Jayden Nelson and Kosi Thompson – scored their first ever Major League Soccer goals in spectacular fashion to give Toronto FC a 2-2 draw against a solid Real Salt Lake side.
The Reds held a 52%-48% edge in possession, though RSL fired 16 shots to seven by Toronto. The hosts managed four shots goal to three by the visitors from north of the border. RSL opened the scoring on Saturday night in the seventh minute after a Shaffelburg giveaway at the side line. Salt Lake took advantage of the steal with Meram scoring via a right foot from just outside the box into the top left corner. Sergio Córdova picked up an assist.
Kreilach’s goal came after a sensational cross by Maikel Chang into the box in the 43rd minute. Chang was given too much time on the play. The Reds had a chance to tie the match again before the halftime whistle when centre back Lukas MacNaugton received a perfect corner kick from Pozuelo just outside the far post. MacNaughton headed the ball over the goal.