Defoe returns to line-up but Toronto FC lose

Toronto, May 4 (IANS) Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe returned to action in the team's 1-2 loss against New England Revolution in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 31-year-old London native returned from a hamstring injury sustained March 29 against Real Salt Lake. The injury sidelined Defoe for the following three matches, reports Xinhua.

In Saturday's loss against New England, Defoe played the duration of the match but went scoreless. But despite that Defoe's presence led Toronto to scoring chances throughout the game.

"I feel alright. Just to get going again, my sharpness and fitness. So disappointed that we lost the game. We prepared so well and were confident. We created a lot of chances. On another days, they go in," said Defoe, who was optimistic and hopes to build off their performance against Revolution rather than looking at the end result.

"Overall, when you look back, we were the better team. Hopefully in the next game, when we get the chances, we'll be more ruthless and they'll go in. Just a little bit of luck that we need."

Prior to the injury, Defoe made an instant impact with the club. He scored three goals in his first two matches, including two in his MLS debut that earned him MLS Player of the Week honours.

The acquisition of Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur was the key piece of an off-season roster overhaul orchestrated by general manager Tim Bezbatchenko. Along with Defoe, Brazilian striker Gilberto, American midfielder Michael Bradley and Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar were acquired between Dec 2013 and Feb 2014.

The acquisitions of both Defoe and Bradley came with a hefty transfer fee of approximately $10 million each, the highest in MLS history.

With 27 matches remaining in the season, expectations from Toronto FC have never been higher. Should Defoe and his international teammates reach the post-season, it will mark the first playoff appearance in Toronto FC's eight-year history in MLS.