Former Tottenham F Jermain Defoe scores twice in MLS debut, Toronto FC beats Seattle 2-1

By Tim Booth | The Associated Press
March 15 2014 03:47 PM

CP27604492 — Toronto FC\'s Jermain Defoe, third from left, kicks a goal past Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stephan Frei, right, in the first half of an MLS soccer match on Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

SEATTLE – Former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe scored twice in the first half of his Major League Soccer debut, and new-look Toronto FC held off the Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Saturday.

Defoe’s debut upstaged the return of U.S. national team midfielder Michael Bradley to MLS in his first game for Toronto. Defoe and Bradley were the centerpieces of a major off-season makeover by Toronto that also included the acquisition of Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar on loan.

All three made their season debuts against Seattle after Toronto had a bye in the first week of the season. Defoe had the most influence, giving Toronto the lead in the 17th minute, then adding a second seven minutes later off a Seattle turnover.

Clint Dempsey scored in the 68th minute for Seattle.

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