By Yomi Kuku, Toronto, Canada
Inter Toronto head coach Mauro Eustaquio has challenged his players to respond immediately after a humbling 4-1 home defeat to Forge FC, admitting his side lacked aggression, defensive solidity and discipline while also questioning several officiating decisions that he believes influenced the outcome.
Forge produced a ruthless display in the Canadian Premier League derby, capitalising on Toronto’s defensive vulnerabilities and set-piece struggles to secure an emphatic victory. The result leaves Toronto searching for answers after conceding seven goals across their last two matches and raises fresh concerns about their ability to challenge the league’s elite.
The visitors struck first through defender Marko Jevremović, who curled a superb free-kick into the top corner after Toronto conceded a dangerous foul just outside the penalty area.
Forge doubled their advantage shortly afterward following a chaotic corner-kick sequence. After multiple attempts inside a crowded penalty area, Hoce Massunda eventually forced the ball over the line despite strong protests from Toronto players, who appealed unsuccessfully for a foul on goalkeeper Diego Urtiaga.
Toronto briefly reignited hopes of a comeback early in the second half. Julian Altobelli delivered an excellent cross to the far post where Max Ferrari slid in to finish and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Any momentum generated by the goal disappeared almost immediately.
Just three minutes later, Anthony Aromatario intercepted a loose pass in midfield before feeding Tristan Borges. The Forge playmaker struck from distance and although the effort appeared manageable, Urtiaga failed to gather the ball cleanly as it slipped into the net, restoring Forge’s two-goal cushion.
The visitors completed the rout midway through the second half when Borges delivered another dangerous corner and Ben Paton glanced the ball into the net to make it 4-1, sealing a dominant afternoon for the Hamilton club.
Speaking after the match, Eustaquio refused to place all responsibility on his players, arguing that several key officiating decisions went against Toronto. He highlighted an early offside call against his side, alleged missed handballs and what he described as inconsistent foul interpretations inside the penalty area.
“I think we have to look at the third team in this game,” Eustaquio said. “We’re getting better players, better coaches and a better league, but everybody has to grow with the game. If we have the technology available, why not let certain plays continue before making those decisions?”
Despite his frustrations with officiating, the Toronto coach accepted that his side’s own shortcomings were the primary reason for the defeat.
“It’s not acceptable to concede goals from set pieces when we knew exactly how dangerous Forge are in those situations,” he admitted. “We conceded from corners, we made mistakes in possession, and against teams like Forge that simply cannot happen.”
Eustaquio identified Toronto’s lack of aggression as one of the biggest concerns. He noted that Forge consistently found space in wide areas and repeatedly delivered dangerous crosses into the box, something his team had specifically prepared for before kickoff.
“We weren’t aggressive enough,” he said. “We struggled to close down space and once the ball went wide, we had difficulty defending our penalty area. We knew what they wanted to do, but we couldn’t stop it.”
The defeat also exposed issues at the other end of the pitch. While Toronto enjoyed significant possession throughout the contest, Eustaquio admitted his side lacked the verticality and attacking sharpness that has traditionally defined his teams.
“We’re not creating as much as I’d like,” he said. “We’re keeping possession but we’re not hurting teams enough. We have players who can score goals and create chances, but right now we’re not being effective in the final third.”
The coach nevertheless rejected suggestions that his tactical approach was responsible for the result. He defended his high-pressing philosophy and insisted the club would not abandon its identity despite the heavy loss.
“Our style won’t change,” Eustaquio stated. “We’re an aggressive pressing team. That’s our club identity and that’s what we believe in. The problem wasn’t our style. The problem was conceding three goals from set pieces and making costly mistakes.”
Looking ahead, Eustaquio urged supporters to remain behind the team as they prepare for their next fixture before the league pauses for the international break.
“I can guarantee the fans they’ll see a team that fights for three points,” he said. “We will react.”
The Toronto manager also revealed that one player substituted during the match was removed as a precaution due to a minor overload issue and is expected to be available for the club’s upcoming game.
With ambitions of competing for honours this season, Eustaquio believes the solution begins with restoring the defensive resilience that defined his side last year.
“If we want to be champions, we cannot concede these kinds of goals,” he said. “We have quality throughout the squad. What we need now is to become solid again, rediscover our fight and character, and return to the standards we know we’re capable of.”