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Posted by
Kamal Hylton,
August 30, 2014 |
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Kamal Hylton
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@KamalHylton
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Coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire and injuries beginning to pile up, Toronto FC came into today's game against Eastern Conference foes New England Revolution in a match up of two teams looking to strengthen their case for the playoffs.
The Reds are without regular starters Jermain Defoe, Steven Caldwell and Justin Morrow as well as Warren Creavalle and Andrew Wiedeman all due to various ailments, forcing coach Ryan Nelsen to put out a makeshift starting XI. Particularly to the defence, as Nick Hagglund paired Doneil Henry in the middle shifting Bradley Orr out to the left while Luke Moore fills in up front alongside the surprisingly in form Brazilian Gilberto.
For the Revs, coach Jay Heaps side are coming off a 1-0 win over Chivas USA but have had an up and down season. The only change in the visitors starting XI came in attack, as Teal Bunbury started ahead of Diego Fagundez.
This would be the first chance for fans to see newly acquired US international Jermaine Jones, but the central midfielder started on the bench.
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The Opening 45
It didn't take long to see how much injuries in defence would impact TFC, a loose pass from deputy left back Mark Bloom to Michael Bradley fell right to the feet of Lee Nguyen. After a few dribbles, the attacking midfielder put it past Joe Bendik's right side in the 2nd minute.
Toronto found it difficult to keep the ball for long spells, allowing the visitors to establish themselves going forward. The midfield tandem of Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe controlled the play, connecting passes in the midfield and latching onto hospital balls. There was also strong attacking play from full back Andrew Farrell down the left, standing out while giving Bloom a torrid time.
New England's use of high pressure looked to frustrate the home side, making counter attacks difficult and advances into attack minimal. After yet another giveaway from the hosts, courtesy of Bradley Orr, an exchange of passes between Nguyen and Rowe game the 22-year-old a goal in the 21st minute, Rowe beating Michael Bradley before firing past a diving Bendik.
TFC had a few chances to get back into the game, showing signs of life through Collen Warner, Gilberto and Dominic Oduro, however Bobby Shuttleworth's goal was never truly tested.
The keeper having very little to do, as much of the half was considerably one way traffic.
The Second Half
Toronto FC began to find themselves a little through solid play in the attacking end, working the ball on the wings and forcing New England to start defending. However, just when it was looking positive the Revs struck for a third time through Teal Bunbury in the 58th minute. Rowe contenting his good game, picking up the ball and playing it up to Charlie Davies. Davies then slid the ball across goal, giving Bunbury an easy tap in.
A disappointing performance was clearly felt in the stands, as supporters chanted "We want DeRo!" as an option to liven up a team that increasingly looked lifeless. The fans would get their wish with ten minutes to go, the crowd promptly singing "And DeRo was his Name".
However, the damage was already done and the Reds dropped three valuable points at home in the push for the playoffs.
Man of the Match
Gilberto
On this performance I wouldn't give any Toronto FC player "Man of the Match", as nobody stuck out with an overly positive performance. However, if forced to make a selection I guess it would be Gilberto. Unable to continue his hot form of goal scoring, the Brazilian did contribute in other ways through his usual harrying of the defence, getting in on goal a few times and being a general nuisance whenever the opportunity came about.
Honourable mention
Collen Warner had an unassuming but decent game. The central midfielder wasn't party to the umpteen turnovers and actually helped move the play forward on a few occasions - nothing to write home about, but not a horrible game either.
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