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Evans 85'
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Manchester City sneak past Toronto FC
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Posted by
Harjeet Johal,
May 28, 2015 |
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Twitter
@HarJournalist
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Toronto, Ontario - Manchester City paid a visit to BMO Field on Wednesday night to battle Toronto FC in front of a quiet crowd of 23,169 spectators. The big stars of the Premier League side were on display as Manuel Pellegrini started a talented starting 11 that controlled the pace of possesion for the majority of the match. Toronto did surprisingly well for the duration of the match until a rocket shot from George Evans secured Manchester City a 1-0 victory over a friendly opponent.
Having defeated the Portland Timbers on Saturday, Toronto FC also put forth a strong and talented starting 11. City, created an abundance of chances in the first twenty minutes, but some poor finishing let theme down in the final third. Manchester City came to put on a show as they dazzled and earned oooo's and awww's from the divided crowd.
Toronto's back-line was in quite remarkably shape as they kept the likes of Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Jesus Navas off the score-sheet in the opening forty-five. To their own part, City shot themselves in the foot with miss after miss from point blank. Joe Bendik started the match and was replaced by Alex Bono in the 27'. Sebastian Giovinco also left at the 27' minute mark to a chorus of displeasure from those in attendance.
The first half ended scoreless as neither side was able to muster enough courage, strength and will power to find a goal.
The Second Half
The man that everyone came to see made his way onto the pitch for the second half. Sergio Aguero, the top scorer during the 2015 Premier League season earned a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Pablo Zabaleta, and Martin Demichelis also entered the match at the half for skipper Vincent Kompany and Aleksandar Kolarov.
Manchester City was awarded a free kick from the top left corner of the box in the 61'. With the crowd expecting a sublime effort from Sergio Aguero he fired his attempt well wide of he target. It was just that kind showing from City.
Second half substitute Jordan Hamilton was the most lively player on the night as he forced Man City keeper Willy Caballero to come up with a pair of significant saves with the best coming in the 65' minute.
City should have been ahead based on talent alone and star power at their disposal, but that's not how they play the game. Still looking to breakthrough with a goal David Silva cut into the Toronto FC box and looked to put the visitors ahead in the 74'. He fired a bullet of a shot directly off the face of keeper Alex Bono. Replays showed Bono grimacing after his save. Sergio Aguero followed up with a missed header as he had an opportunity to convert on an open net.
Just when it looked like Toronto FC would hold Manchester City scoreless, they did not. 20 year-old George Evans fired an absolute laser of shot from distance into the top left corner. Alex Bono and no other goalkeeper on the plant was stopping that strike. Evans stepped up and took his opportunity when others weren't fit for the occasion.
Despite the low score, fans were treated to a top club from across the pond. It may not have been an offensively spectacular performance in terms of goals. However, both sides were able to trot out many youngsters who gained valuable experience in unique format.
Toronto FC Starting XI: Joe Bendik (Alex Bono 27), Justin Morrow (Manny Aparicio 45), Nick Hagglund, Ericq Zavaleta, Ashtone Morgan (Warren Creavalle 45), Benoit Cheyrou (Jonathan Osorio 45), Michael Bradley(C) (Chris Mannala 45) , Daniel Lovitz, Jay Chapman, Sebastian Giovinco (Bright Dike 27), Luke Moore (Jordan Hamilton 45).
Manchester City Starting XI: Willy Caballero, Bakary Sagna (Pablo Maffeo 63), Dedryck Boyata, Vincent Kompany(C), (Martin Demichelis 45), Aleksandar Kolarov (Pablo Zabaleta 45) , Yaya Toure, Jesus Navas (Olivier Ntcham 63), Seko Fofana, David Silva (Sergio Agüero 45), Eden Dzeko (Jose Pozo 63) , Wilfried Bony.
Notes: Manchester City will now travel to Texas were they will take on the Houston Dynamo on May 28.
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