Toronto FC 1 – 1 Philadelphia Union
And the song remains the same. It might not have been a loss, but it hurts just the same, as TFC allow an injury-time goal that leveled the game at 1-1 and keeps their second win of the season out of reach for at least another week. The Reds dominated Philadelphia for most of the game, even when down to ten men, but another throw in from an opponent was not dealt with properly and Jack McInerney once again was far post to slot home the tying goal.
What is most discouraging from the collapse is that it was a carbon copy of the goal scored on April 13 in Philadelphia. You have to wonder whose responsibility it was to simply take a look around and point out that the league’s leading scorer was standing near the top of the 18-yard box unmarked.
This is a product of a roster constantly in flux and the likes of Steven Caldwell and Matias Laba would not have been on hand to see the 20-year old bury home the previous goal, and possibly even not have know who he was before this game. Five TFC players converged on the throw-in and at no point did Joe Bendik or captain Darren O’Dea take a look around to direct their teammates. Another mental breakdown leads to more dropped points, but most importantly a lost chance at a home win.
The finale of this game hopefully won’t, but likely will, overshadow what was an outstanding performance from rookie midfielder Jonathan Osorio. For a team whose draft picks have completely gone MIA, Osorio is making many forget Toronto so far has essentially wasted their first round picks. On this game, Osorio was brimming with confidence as he move the ball with speed, precision and fearlessness up the wing and through the midfield. His arrival along with Bobby Convey should bring confidence that Toronto’s midfield might be shaping up to once again be competitive in this league.
With another weekend gone by with a competent performance, but the result leaving a bitter taste in the mouth, once again Ryan Nelsen is left searching for answers. Fortunately the solution might be on the horizon with a week off and DC United as their next opponent. An away game is no guarantee, but this is one of the few chances TFC will get this year where they can circle the calendar and say, home or away, this should be a win.
The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.
Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:
Joe Bendik – 5.5
An unfair ending for Bendik who did everything you’d want from your keeper in a game where his side dominated most of the game. Aside from one awful ball sent out for touch, was better in distribution and save for the noted last play of regulation, kept in his defenders heads on set pieces about staying alert. Had a few moments of good positioning/saves down the stretch and unfortunately for Bendik, couldn’t cut the angle down on the tying goal.
Your rating:
Ryan Richter – 5.5
A two-sided performance from Richter who did very well linking up with Jonathan Osorio on the right wing and these two were intricate to TFC’s bright first half. However, more often than not, his final ball failed him as only a couple got through into creating anything dangerous. On the defensive side, while he continues to bring the needed determination and grit missing from Richard Eckersley, seems to struggle keeping his opponent on the outside and was turned around on more than one occasion.
Your rating:
Steven Caldwell – 5.5
Slowly getting his feet adjusted to MLS and what is needed. Looked steady at the back and was a good compliment next to Henry who is a bit rash in his challenges and tackles. Has the needed toughness to handle bigger players like Casey and LeToux and down the final third of the match was very good in the air most crosses from finding their target
Your rating:
Doneil Henry – 5
A disappointing way to end his evening and it is tough to be overly critical for his early sending off. Yes, it was two reckless yellow cards, however, for a team who are nearing the bottom of the barrel, Henry took the field with pride, confidence and a willingness to get stuck in on near everything. With time these mistakes should be remedied and that is the main flaw in his game, timing and mistakes, are things that can be taught and improved with more time on the field.
Your rating:
Darren O’Dea – 5.5
A decent enough game for O’Dea who started his game at left-back then transitioned over to centre back at the half. Had some good moments pushing forward in the opening forty-five getting involved in the attack and linking up well with Convey, but still appears a bit out of place in this position. Looks better beside Caldwell as his pace is not there for the taking and looks steadier and more comfortable where his natural position is.
Your rating:
Ashtone Morgan – 5.5
Came in at the half to relieve O’Dea/Convey from left back and considering his last few performances for TFC, did very well for himself. Most notably on defence he was much grittier, as seen battling with Casey, and determined not to make the same mistakes he’s had in the past. An encouraging half from Morgan who can hopefully build from this and earn Nelsen’s confidence moving forward.
Your rating:
Matias Laba – 5.5
It was a relatively quiet game from Laba, but it was one where it was the little things he was doing well that mattered. There was no deadly, penetrating passes, or huge instances of dispossession, but he was in form physically battling for the ball in the air, on the ground and delivering the smart pass. Several occasions where it looked like he might force a pass upfield, but calmly would feint to get the opponent to bite, turn with the ball, and find another option.
Your rating:
Jeremy Hall – 6
A good game for Hall who hasn’t quite been as dangerous as we’ve seen him this year, but had a chance to push further forward and join the attack. Was a good goalscorer at Maryland and this might be wise in future with Laba looking to be the designated holding midfielder. Hall sent in the beautiful through ball to Brockie that set up the opening goal.
Your rating:
MOTM Jonathan Osorio – 7.5
Osorio has been positive in his appearances so far, but considering his start against Dallas was disappointing, a competent outing would have sufficed. To say this game was a revelation would be an understatement. Would have been the MOTM even if he hadn’t scored, as rarely has TFC had a player on the wing look this confident, but also been able to deliver the goods in terms pinpoint passing and willingness to get stuck in. As seen against New England, TFC look a different side with Osorio on the pitch and if he can keep this pace up and even continue to grow, they will have a very solid midfielder on their hands.
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Bobby Convey – 6
Convey looked good in his first start for the Reds and now there is balance out wide rarely seen over the last seven seasons. His arrival brings much needed depth for set piece delivery as Silva has been hit and miss, and allows for O'Dea to get in on the deliveries, as well as being one of the few players on the pitch that can be labeled a veteran. A positive game from Convey who, should he stay fit, could be a part in turning this side around.
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Luis Silva – 5.5
Was the unfortunate casualty of Henry’s sending off as Nelsen saw fit to get the backline sorted out, bringing in Morgan. It was too bad because the first half was very encouraging in the offensive end for TFC that Silva was a part of. Was building good chemistry through the middle linking up with Hall, Convey, Osorio and Earnshaw, and attacking the goal when opportunities came.
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Robert Earnshaw – 5.5
One of his few games where he did not make it the full ninety minutes, but down a man, what Earnshaw brings is not enough to single-handedly nick one back, especially against a side that probably learned their lesson from their first encounter. Another player that might have been able to fare better if TFC had eleven men as he was working well with Osorio and Richter and had some nice deliveries into the 18-yard box in the first half.
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