Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Toronto FC 2015: Final score 1-3, Giovinco and Altidore shine on debuts

Players who make the exorbitant salaries like Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco are expected to produce instantly, and that’s exactly what they did in Toronto FC’s season opener. In a rivalry game, away to Vancouver Whitecaps, the designated player pair combined for a goal, helping TFC to a 3-1 win.

This game also marked the debut of Whitecaps DP Octavio Rivero, and he got off to a nightmare start, missing a tap-in from six yards in the 9th minute. But the Uruguayan bounced back instantly, firing Vancouver ahead just 10 minutes later. He beat Toronto’s offside trap to score the game’s opening goal, running onto a long ball by Pa Modou Ka, taking two touches and slotting an impressive finish past Joe Bendik.

Vancouver’s lead didn’t last long, with TFC pulling level just after the half-hour mark. Giovinco’s through ball to assist the goal might not have even been intended for Altidore, but Robbie Findley stumbled, allowing Altidore to run onto it. He had plenty of work to do, but was able to dance around David Ousted and poke home a goal at the near post after a nifty bit of footwork.

The last 15 minutes of the half featured wild, end-to-end play, but very good goalkeeping and average finishing. Pedro Morales and Michael Bradley did excellently to spring attacks for their teams, but they didn’t lead to goals.

Toronto’s winner came in the 59th minute off a fast move, aided by some poor Vancouver defending. Benoit Cheyrou sprung the attack with a through ball to Justin Morrow, who hit a cross back towards the penalty spot. Findley got in front of his defender and redirected the ball into the back of the net, putting Toronto on top.

The Whitecaps didn’t look terribly threatening in pursuit of an equalizer, and their poor defending allowed Altidore to clinch the win for his team at the end. Ka pulled him down in the box, the referee gave a penalty, and Altidore stepped up to convert the spot kick that he earned.

Goals: Rivero (19’)

Goals: Altidore (32’, penalty 89’), Findley (59’)