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Posted by
Mat Rooney,
May 5, 2017 |
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Mat Rooney
On Twitter:
@rooney_matthew
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Against a visiting Cyle Larin and Orlando City, Toronto FC put up one of its most impressive results of the season so far. The victory (against the top team in the east) featured some big goals from Sebastian Giovinco and even bigger saves from Alex Bono and definitely made a statement.
The Opening 45
Toronto established dominance early, with a goal in the 9th minute by Giovinco. The goal looked easy for him and was another highlight of why the combo of him and Jozy Altidore is one to be feared. Rookie Raheem Edwards also played a key role in the goal.
After a bit of back and forth between the two sides (and some nice goaltending by Bono and former Toronto keeper Joe Bendik), Giovinco scored his second with the help of Steven Beitashour and Víctor Vázquez (who now leads the league in assists).
In extra time, Toronto had a massive defensive lapse and Orlando pounced. Larin headed a shot from Carlos Rivas to Kaka who blasted the ball into the net and gave Orlando hope heading into the half.
The Second Half
Not wasting the momentum they gained from Kaka's goal, Orlando came at Toronto hard in the second half, particularly Larin. While Toronto would have some chances from Giovinco, Altidore and Nick Hagglund, Bendik and Orlando's defence kept Toronto from getting the chances Larin was having.
Luckily Bono was on fire.
After a collision between Larin and Bono early in the half, Larin seemed poised to even things up. At the hour mark, a diving shot by Larin was stopped by Bono and Larin's attempt to recover the ball was just barely punched away in time by the keeper.
Moments later, it seemed Larin had finally found his goal as he tapped the ball passed a stumbling Bono. Bono just managed to get his hand on the ball to keep it out and protect the win.
Man of the Match
Alex Bono
While Giovinco had the goals, it really was Bono that secured the win for Toronto. He had some truly amazing saves including one that is certainly worthy of MLS Save of the Year. It'll be interesting to see what happens when Clint Irwin returns.
As coach Greg Vanney put it "This win is really because of the saves that he made in the second half."
Special mention to Vanney himself for having coached 100 games with Toronto FC.
Canucks in Action
Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - B - some great moments but missed opportunities
Raheem Edwards - B- - a strong first half seemed to disappear in the second
Jonathan Osorio - C+ - had some good moments but didn't seem like a factor
Tosaint Ricketts - NA - didn't get a chance to really do his thing
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