Toronto FC collapses twice as DC United exposes their biggest weakness | OneFootball

Toronto FC started its 2025 MLS campaign with a game that had a little something for everyone, goals, comebacks, drama, and a team that, if not yet on its level, showed one thing that every competitive team requires: resilience.

A slow start, but a quick response

DC United didn't wait long to take the lead. Eight minutes into the game, Boris Enow found the net, and Toronto FC seemed to be in for a long evening. The Cameroonian midfielder was left on his own at the back post, where he converted with conviction.

This was the first real test for a team under a new boss with several new faces on board. But the response was given by a player who knows the club inside out. In the 28th minute, Jonathan Osorio was in the right place at the right time to equalize.

A low-driven cross by Henry Wingo found Osorio, who did not disappoint. With that goal, the No. 21 broke his record, scoring for Toronto FC in all of his 13 years with the club. If any player embodies the team's identity, he is the one.

Benteke puts DC United back in front before halftime

The equalizer settled the matter momentarily. DC United cranked up the heat, and took back the lead in the 35th minute as Jacob Murrell floated in a laser of a cross that found Christian Benteke.

The last year's MLS Golden Boot winner did what master strikers do—barged his way through the defense, leaped over everybody, and nodded a goal home past the goalkeeper.

By that time, Toronto's defense was already showing signs of crumbling. Benteke had too much space, and with strikers of his caliber, even the slightest blunder at the back can cost dearly.

Toronto FC battles back to gain a draw

If anyone had doubt about this team to answer pressure, the second half put that aside. Toronto FC came on with more fire, going for it and having belief that they could extract more from Washington than a good try.

Perseverance paid off. In the 70th minute, Richie Laryea was brought down inside the box by ex-Toronto player Brandon Servania, and the ref quickly indicated a penalty.

Federico Bernardeschi took it. Unflappable, composed, and precise, the Italian winger slid home from 12 yards out, levelled the game. It was his first of the campaign, and better still, it was a sign of a team that never took the pressure.

The draw was a fair indication of Toronto's work, and if there was one side who looked more likely to pinch a late winner, it was the visitors.

Robin Fraser instills competitiveness

Robin Fraser's inaugural game as Toronto FC head coach wasn't flawless, but it did possess something that is essential, competitiveness. This side that has undergone so much transformation in the last couple of months does not seem to be satisfied with being average in the Eastern Conference.

The coach left Washington satisfied with a valuable road win, and he had every right to be. Toronto looked the better side for stretches of the game, and if they implement a few basic defensive adjustments, they can be a much stronger team.

Defensive solidity is still a concern. Conceding early goals and conceding Benteke too much space are mistakes that will be punished by more solid teams. But something was guaranteed in this opening game of the season — this team is not going to go down without a fight.