South African star Cassius Mailula notched his first goal for Toronto FC in their dominant victory over Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship Preliminary Round at BMO Field on Thursday.

German international Prince Owusu opened the scoring for the home team in the 18th minute. He then turned provider in the 30th minute, setting up Mailula for the second goal with a right-footed finish at the near post. The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker slotted home to open his account for Toronto.

Kevin Long added a third goal three minutes later, followed by Jonathan Osorio’s strike five minutes before halftime. Despite Mailula playing the entire match, Toronto seemed to ease off the gas in the second half.

Canadian international Tyrese Spicer added a fifth goal in the 76th minute, securing a comfortable victory for John Herdman’s side who progress to the next round of the national cup competition.

Mailula, who joined Toronto FC during the offseason from Sundowns, this was his first start for the club. Coach Herdman explained that Mailula is currently behind two established Italian internationals, Filippo Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, in the pecking order.

Since his arrival, Mailula has appeared in five games for Toronto and will look to build on from this. The club, eight-time Canadian Championship winners (most recently in 2020), next travel to face Orlando City in the MLS on Saturday.

Picture courtesy of Toronto