Minnesota United extends point streak to seven with win over Toronto FC

Minnesota United FC extended its point streak to seven matches with a 0-0 draw against host Toronto FC on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who hails from Pickering, 25 miles east of Toronto, stopped all four shots he faced for United (4-1-4, 16 points).

The draw left Toronto FC (0-4-5, 5 points) still in search of its first win of the season.

After a scoreless opening half, the two sides each had a chance to break the deadlock moments apart within the first few minutes of the second half.

In the 47th minute, Deybi Flores took a few strides to get to a Minnesota header on a clearing attempt but sent his shot over the net. Less than a minute later, St. Clair delivered on the best chance for either side when he came off his line to the corner of the six-yard box to deny midfielder Derrick Etienne Jr.

United started to generate more opportunities as the half progressed but couldn't find the back of the net. The Loons worked in the box in the 52nd minute but tight defending by Toronto prevented them from getting a shot on target.

Nicolas Romero had a quality chance for Minnesota in the 59th minute, when he was uncovered on the far side for a feed from Roberto Pereyra, but his shot deflected over the net.

Federico Bernardeschi tried to put the home side ahead in the 58th minute, taking a feed from Flores to the top of the box for a soft, low shot that St. Clair snared to keep the match scoreless.

Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson had to be sharp early in the first half as Minnesota got to its attack. He denied Bongokuhle Hlongwane's attempt from just outside the six-yard box.

Toronto got off to a slow start in the first half before getting to its game and starting to generate more opportunities. In the 21st minute, Bernardeschi's chance off his left foot rolled into St. Clair's arms. Two minutes later, Etienne Jr. tried to convert off a Bernardeschi feed in the middle but his attempt went over the net.

--Field Level Media