Barrett scores 2 goals, leads Toronto FC to 3-1 win over San Jose

Barrett leads Toronto FC to 3-1 win over San Jose

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Chad Barrett had two goals and assisted on the go-ahead score to lead Toronto FC to a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

Barrett, who had two goals and two assists in Toronto’s first 16 matches, scored in the fifth and 69th minutes as Toronto FC (7-6-4) climbed above the .500 mark. Pablo Vitti also scored as Toronto matched a season high for goals.

Darren Huckerby returned from a one-game injury absence to score the lone goal for the Earthquakes (3-9-4).

Toronto grabbed an early lead in the fifth minute when Barrett slipped free on the right side and threaded a shot to the far post off a pass from Dwayne De Rosario for his first goal since May 2.

San Jose, playing without injured starters Ramiro Corrales and Bobby Convey, tied the match in the 32nd minute. A lead pass by Arturo Alvarez was successfully chased down by Ryan Johnson, who held off three defenders before laying the ball off to an onrushing Huckerby. He one-timed a left-footed shot that scooted past Toronto goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

Toronto, though, regained the lead in the 54th minute. Following a free kick deep on the left wing, a soft chip by Barrett was headed by Nana Attakora for Vitti, who scored on a back-header.

Toronto put the game out of reach in the 69th minute thanks to an inopportune injury.

Earthquakes defender Aaron Pitchkolan looked as though he would easily handle a long pass from De Rosario, but was felled by a strained left groin. Barrett took control, outmaneuvered goalkeeper Joe Cannon and all but dribbled the ball into the net.

Story from: STATS LLC, www.stats.com.