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Posted by
Mat Rooney,
October 24, 2016 |
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Mat Rooney
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On the most important day of the regular season, Toronto FC opened slow but ended up delivering against Chicago Fire SC. Sadly so did New York City, as the Columbus Crew did not do the Reds any favours for an ideal post-season position.
Home sweet home
The First Half
Despite looking strong early, Toronto's first half was very much a mess until the end. Early chances failed to connect and the defence seemed as weak as ever and a Steven Beitashor turnover left the back unprepared and the ensuing chance saw Cint Irwin allowing an embarrassing goal in the 18th minute to Michael de Leeuw.
Toronto struggled in Chicago's end, especially when it came to shooting. Shots went wide non-stop and the team struggled to even control the ball in the final third.
Sebastian Giovinco finally broke Toronto's final third rut with a penalty goal in the 45th minute. That goal lit a sparked under the rest of the team and from then on Toronto seemed ready for playoffs.
The Second Half
The second, like many times this season was Toronto's better half. The team seemed more together on the pitch and the score reflected it.
Justin Morrow and Jonothan Osorio each scored within 20 minutes of the half's kickoff. There were also solid chances for Tosaint Ricketts and Giovinco.
The half's only real blemish happened in the 83rd minute, when John Goossens blasted on passed Irwin.
Despite a strong showing, the result didn't earn Toronto its desired spot in the Eastern Conference semi-finals as New York City (Toronto's greatest ever soccer rival, forget the forced rivalries of Crew and Impact) beat Crew (ok I guess there is a reason to hate this team). Toronto will meet the Philadelphia Union later this week for their first-ever home playoff game this Wednesday.
Man of the Match
Sebastian Giovinco
Giovinco had another strong game this week. With his penalty and contribution to Morrow's goal, he'll definitely be a factor on Wednesday.
Toronto FC Starting XI: Irwin, Moor, Zavaleta, Hagglund, Beitashour, Morrow, Bradley, Cooper (Johnson, 68'), Osorio (Cheyrou, 68'), Altidore (Ricketts 61'), Giovinco
Chicago Fire Starting XI: McLain, Meira, Campbell, Ramos, Vincent, Alvarez (Calistri 81'), Thiam, Polster (Goosens 38'), de Leeuw, Accam, Arshakyan (Cocis 70')
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