Kobe Franklin's first career goal helps Toronto pull out 3-3 draw with Austin
TL;DR
Kobe Franklin scored his first career goal in the 88th minute, leading Toronto FC to a 3-3 draw with Austin FC. The match extended Toronto's unbeaten streak to six games this season.
Key points
- Kobe Franklin scored his first career goal in the 88th minute
- Toronto FC extended their unbeaten streak to six games this season
- Austin FC initially took a 3-2 lead before the draw
TORONTO (AP) — Defender Kobe Franklin scored his first career goal in the 88th minute to rally Toronto FC to a 3-3 draw with Austin FC on Saturday. Toronto (3-2-3) upped its unbeaten run to six on the season and 12 at home dating to last year. The club is 2-0-3 in five home matches and 4-0-8 during the streak. Defender Jon Bell used a nifty spin move in front of the net to score unassisted in traffic in the 29th minute and give Austin a 1-0 lead. Two of Bell's five career goals have come this year in his first season with Austin (1-3-4). Dániel Sallói continued his hot start in his first season with Toronto, scoring off a deflection in the 52nd minute to tie it 1-1. Sallói has three goals this season after totaling 54 in nine campaigns with Sporting Kansas City. Defender Richie Laryea gave Toronto a 2-1 lead with an unassisted goal in the 67th minute. His first netter of the season was his 14th in 165 career appearances. Facundo Torres used assists from Robert Taylor and Myrto Uzuni to score the equalizer in the 78th minute and Christian Ramírez found the net four minutes later to give Austin a 3-2 lead. Torres scored his first goal in his first season with Austin after notching 37 in 95 appearances with Orlando City. Ramírez has two goals in his first season with the club, giving him 57 in 192 career matches. Franklin pulled Toronto even in the 88th minute, redirecting a ricochet off the right post in his 69th appearance. Luka Gavran totaled three saves for Toronto in his eighth start this season and the 24th of his career. Brad Stuver saved eight shots for Austin, including six in the first half.
Up next
Austin: Visits the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday. Toronto: Hosts the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. \\\_ AP soccer:
Q&A
What was the significance of Kobe Franklin's goal for Toronto FC?
Kobe Franklin's goal in the 88th minute secured a crucial draw for Toronto FC, marking his first career goal.
How does Toronto FC's current unbeaten streak compare to previous seasons?
Toronto FC's unbeaten run has reached six games this season and 12 games at home dating back to last year.
What were the key moments in the match between Toronto FC and Austin FC?
Key moments included goals from Jon Bell and Facundo Torres for Austin, and equalizers from Dániel Sallói and Kobe Franklin for Toronto.
