Early changes pay off for the Young Reds
Coach Gianni Cimini didn’t waste time tweaking his line‑up. Five fresh faces – Mark Fisher, Stefan Kapor, Patrick McDonald, Tim Fortier and Joshua Nugent – slipped into the starting XI, replacing Ythallo, Hassan Ayari, Michael Sullivan, Antone Bossenberry and Jahmarie Nolan. The gamble looked risky, but the energy they brought was evident from the first whistle.
The match kicked off under the bright lights of York Lions Stadium, and Toronto immediately went on the offensive. A crisp passage of the ball through midfield set the tone. Malik Henry, already a key playmaker this season, threaded a perfect square pass to a young forward making his professional debut.
Toronto FC II saw Micah Chisholm cruise past the Miami back line and calmly slot the ball home in the 11th minute. It wasn’t just a personal milestone – his first professional goal – it also marked Henry’s third assist of the campaign, underscoring his growing influence.
Second half‑hour seal the win
Buoyed by the early lead, the Young Reds kept the pressure on. Almost exactly half an hour later, the pattern repeated. Lucas Olguín slipped a beautifully weighted through ball to Henry, who flicked a quick lay‑off to Marko Stojadinovic sprinting into the box. Stojadinovic’s composure was evident as he tapped the ball home just before the half‑time whistle, extending the lead to 2‑0.
Inter Miami CF II tried to respond. They owned 64% of possession and rattled the net six times, but their shots lacked punch. Toronto’s keeper was up to the task, pulling off five decisive saves to keep the clean sheet intact.
The statistics painted a clear picture: Miami out‑shot Toronto 15‑6, yet the Young Reds were far more efficient, converting both of their chances. The win lifts Toronto’s record to 5‑5‑3 for the season, nudging them up the MLS NEXT Pro table, while Miami slips further down.
Looking ahead, Cimini’s willingness to rotate his squad could become a hallmark of his tenure. The fresh legs paid dividends on Thursday, and the chemistry among the new starters will be something fans watch closely as the season unfolds.
For now, the Young Reds can savor a solid performance, a clean sheet and a youngster’s first professional goal – all signs that the team is finding its stride in a competitive league.
