TFC 2 report: Young Reds fall short in Alonso Coello's return
The Spanish midfielder's return to action following a lengthy injury layoff wasn't enough to propel the Young Reds to victory.
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In a regular series at TFC Republic, we'll look at TFC 2 and how the club is progressing through the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Why is TFC 2 so important in the grand scheme of things? TFC 2 has proven to be an invaluable part of Toronto FC's developmental system, as it’s usually where the best youth academy products play prior to signing with the senior team.
A lot of notable former and current Toronto FC players cut their teeth with TFC 2 before making their MLS debuts, including Ayo Akinola, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Kosi Thompson, Alex Bono, and Jayden Nelson.
In 2023, defender Kobe Franklin, midfielder Alonso Coello and goalkeeper Luka Gavran signed with the senior team from TFC 2.
Here's this week's TFC 2 report:
TFC 2 suffer penalty shootout loss in New England
TFC 2's playoff hopes took a big hit with another setback away to the New England Revolution II on Sunday.
With the game tied 2-2 after 90 minutes of regulation, the teams headed to a penalty shootout which New England won 6-5 after seven rounds at Gillette Stadium. TFC 2 ended up earning a point in the shootout loss.
TFC 2 took the lead in the eighth minute when captain Julian Altobelli converted from the penalty spot. But the hosts rebounded with a pair of goals from Marcos Dias in the 41st and 48th minutes. The Young Reds bagged an equalizer in the 78th minute when Charlie Staniland scored off a setup up by Charlie Sharp.
Notably, Toronto FC's Alonso Coello was signed to a short-term loan by TFC 2 and played 45 minutes before being subbed out at the start of the second half. The Spanish midfielder had been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury in a 3-0 road loss to the New York Red Bulls on June 22.
TFC 2 (8-10-5) sits 13th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, five spots and nine points behind Chicago Fire FC II who hold down the final playoff berth in the East. Toronto has a game in hand on Chicago.
New & notes: Julian Altobelli extends scoring streak
- With his 18th career goal for TFC 2, Julian Altobelli now has sole possession of second spot in the club’s all-time goal scorers list, just ahead of Jordan Hamilton and Shaan Hundal.
- Altobelli has scored in six consecutive matches for TFC 2, tying a club record set by Jordan Hamilton in 2018.
- This was TFC 2's fifth penalty shootout defeat of the campaign.
RELATED READING: Newsletter | Features | Match reports | Opinion | Q&As | Videos | News | Roster moves | TFC 2
James Grossi's view
James Grossi is the foremost authority on TFC 2, having covered the team in an in-depth fashion for several years.
TFC Republic spoke to Grossi about TFC 2's loss to New England, Alonso Coello's return, and much more.
Listen to the full audio clip below:
James Grossi is a Toronto based writer who operates Unattached FC, a website dedicated to covering Canadian soccer. Follow James on Twitter.
What's next for TFC 2?
TFC 2 returns to action when they visit New York City FC II on Wednesday at Icahn Stadium in the first of two back-to-back games between the clubs.
(Top photo courtesy of Toronto FC)
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