Sunderland were victorious on Thursday morning in Canada as they defeated MLS outfit Toronto FC 2-1.
Good start by Toronto
It was a nervy start by Black Cats' goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon as his poor clearance resulted in a corner, and the resulting set-piece nearly caught the Romanian out. Brazilian Jackson then tested the palms of the former Manchester City 'keeper with a shot from distance, but he saved comfortably and remained unbeaten.
Sunderland’s first chance of the game came 10 minutes in, Billy Jones’ chipped cross to the back post met by an unmarked Jermain Defoe who headed wide when he perhaps could have done better.
However, Toronto continued to look the more likely to score as Italian international Sebastian Giovinco volleyed narrowly over for the hosts. Despite looking unconvincing, Pantilimon did pull off a fantastic reaction save moments later too to keep out a close-range header from Robbie Findley.
A flurry of susbtitutions on the half hour mark by the hosts saw them introduce goalkeeper Alex Bono, and it didn't take him long to get involved as he was forced into tipping over a stinging drive from Adam Johnson.
In the closing stages of the first half, the Canadians had their American keeper to thank again as he bravely blocked an effort from Steven Fletcher from 12 yards, but Jonathan Osorio had the best chance of the half right on the half time whistle, Findley’s low cross finding the Toronto-born midfielder in the six yard box yet he inexplicably failed to hit the target.
Second half produces a flurry of goals and Sunderland's first win
Having missed what can only be described as a sitter at the end of the first half, Osorio made up for it seconds after the interval, pouncing on a mistake by new signing Adam Matthews to give his side the lead.
However, the Black Cats clawed their way back into the match and were the Premier League side were level halfway through the second half when Defoe managed to jab the ball home against his former employers.
The England international then doubled his tally, just three minutes later, from inside the box after being teed up by Fletcher to give his side the lead in the match.
Toronto pushed for an equaliser but could not create anything meaningful and Dick Advocaat's side defended well for the victory.
Pre-season continues
Sunderland have not had the greatest pre-season, following up a win in England over Darlington 1883 with defeats to Sacramento Republic and CF Pachuca, but this winover Toronto allows them to leave North America with a well-needed victory.
Next up for the Black Cats is a return home to face Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat before a trip to Germany a week before the season starts, where they will play Bundesliga side Hannover 96.