体坛英语新闻：Jermain Defoe returns to line-up in Toronto FC's loss

TORONTO, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe returned to action in the team's 2-1 loss against New England Revolution in Major League Soccer action on Saturday afternoon.

The 31-year-old London native returned from a hamstring injury sustained in the team's third game of the season on March 29 against Real Salt Lake. The injury sidelined Defoe for the team's following three matches.

In Saturday's loss against New England, Defoe played the duration of the match and was held scoreless.

Despite being scoreless, Defoe's presence led to Toronto scoring chances throughout the game, many of which did not find the back of the net.

"I feel alright. Just to get going again...my sharpness and my fitness," said Defoe following the match. "Just so disappointed that we lost the game. We prepared so well for the game and was confident beforehand. We created a lot of chances. On another day, they go in."

Defoe is optimistic of his team's effort and hopes to build off their performance against Revolution, rather than looking at the end result.

"Overall, when you look back at the game, we were the better team. Just looking forward to the next game," Defoe said. "Hopefully in the next game, when we get the chances, we'll 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 a two-goal in his MLS-debut that earned him MLS Player of the Week honors.

The acquisition of Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 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 by Bezbatchenko during a three-month period between December 2013 and February 2014.

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

With 27 matches remaining in the regular season, the expectations for the 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.