Skip to content

Jermain Defoe feels sharp after scoring twice in Sunderland win

Jermain Defoe (centre) in action for Sunderland against Toronto
Image: Jermain Defoe (centre) in action for Sunderland against Toronto

Jermain Defoe said he was feeling sharp after scoring twice in Sunderland's 2-1 victory over his former club Toronto.

Jonathan Osorio struck just after half-time for the MLS club, but Defoe hit his first two goals of pre-season later in the half to give Sunderland victory - the first of their North American tour following defeats to Sacramento Republic and Club de Futbol Pachuca last week.

Defoe joined the Black Cats in January after spending just a year at Toronto, and scored four goals in 17 games as Dick Advocaat's team avoided relegation from the Premier League.

TORONTO, ON - JULY 22:  Steven Fletcher #9 of Sunderland AFC congratulates Jermain Defoe #18 after he scored his second goal during a friendly match agains
Image: Steven Fletcher (right) congratulates Defoe after he scored his second goal Sunderland

“I feel like I needed the pre-season,” Defoe told the Sunderland Echo. “Today was the sharpest I felt in a long time.

“It’s still a case of getting our fitness up. But at the same time, you want to be sharp, score goals and win the games.

“We’ve got a couple of weeks until the season starts and we’ve got two more pre-season games. By the time the season starts, hopefully we’ll be ready.”