Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By RYAN TOLMICH

When Toronto FC acquired striker Jermain Defoe, they did so with the aim that the former Tottenham FC forward would go out and score goals. That is exactly what Defoe has did Saturday by scoring his fourth goal in as many games to lead TFC to their second win in a row.

Defoe and Toronto FC took down the visiting San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 Saturday behind a first half penalty finish from the star striker.

Toronto FC rookie Nick Hagglund, who put in a strong shift defensively, earned the TFC penalty in the game’s 26th minute. The young right back was bumped down in the box by Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon, which the referee saw as enough to warrant a penalty.

Defoe stepped up to take the ensuing penalty and made absolutely no mistake. The Englishman unleashed a rocket past Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch and into the goal’s left side to give Toronto FC the only goal they would need.

Toronto FC entered the game handicapped by an absent Gilberto, who picked up an injury during pre-game warmups. Meanwhile, both teams were without their stars as Michael Bradley and Chris Wondolowski were both with the U.S. Men’s National Team and Victor Bernardez is away with the Honduras National Team.

With the win, TFC picks up their 10th point in four games, which moves them to fourth in the Eastern Conference with games in hand on every team around them. Meanwhile, the Earthquakes fail to win their third straight, which sees them sit eighth in the Western Conference.

TFC will look to win their third straight after the World Cup break on June 27 when they take on the New York Red Bulls. On the other hand, thee Earthquakes will have a much quicker turnaround with a U.S. Open Cup match taking place on June 11 against Sacramento Republic FC.

Here are the match highlights: