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Posted by
Kamal Hylton,
September 21, 2014 |
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Kamal Hylton
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After a controversial ending to a 1-1 draw away to Chicago Fire, Toronto FC found itself in the midst of a tail spin ahead of its home match against Chivas USA on Sunday afternoon. Having gone throughout the turmoil of a completely overhauled coaching staff and upper management drama, the team now has gone winless in in its last six matches.
However, they could take comfort in knowing its opposition are currently facing even worse futility; Chivas sitting bottom of the Western Conference, currently winless in its last 10 games and losers of five straight.
The Reds Greg Vanney hasn’t had the smoothest of starts to his early reign as head coach going 0-1-2 in his first three matches in charge, but he has looked to change the team dynamic through playing with formations and personnel.
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A couple of Canadians that have seen limited time on the field have come back into conversation. Both Kyle Bekker and Ashtone Morgan getting starts last time out. Toronto welcomes a third Canadian back into the fray, central defender Doneil Henry returns to the bench following a one match suspension.
Vanney also welcomed back an experienced head in club captain Steven Caldwell, the Scottish international returning from a long injury layoff.
Chivas USA coach Wilmer Cabrera continues to be without a vital cog to his line-up…star forward Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres due to injury. This would be a huge loss for any team but particularly Chivas. The Mexican’s 14 goals put him fifth in the MLS standings and the next best scorers are Marky Delgado and Marvin Chavez with two goals each.
With matches against the Seattle Sounders and two against Real Salt Lake in its next five, getting something against a vulnerable TFC side is important for turning around the team's morale. Two players that would be motivated and familiar to Toronto FC fans are Eric Avila and Nathan Sturgis, as they look to haunt one of their former clubs.
The Opening 45
The first half began with both sides feeling each other out, engaging in a midfield battle trying to dictate pace and tempo.
Toronto FC looking to take their time, kept possession and got the ball wide to Daniel Lovitz and Jackson for 1v1 battles with fullbacks Donny Toia and Tony Lochhead. Chivas were seeking to press the defence, play quick counters to Chavez and Felix Borja while taking advantage of set pieces. Cabrera looked to test a back line that hasn’t seen consistency due to injuries and suspensions.
TFC drew first blood in the 23rd minute through a pair of Brazilians, Jonathan Osorio playing the ball into Gilberto from the right wing and the big forward displaying deft skill, producing a back heel flick to Jackson to blast it past Dan Kenney’s right side.
Seemingly energized from the goal, the hosts almost grabbed a second in the 31st min, Luke Moore picked up the ball at his feet in the box, turned his defender and pinged it off the crossbar before the defence was able to get it into the safe hands of Kennedy.
Chivas had a golden chance to level the game three minutes from the break. Former TFC player Avila found a bouncing ball in his path only to blast it over Joe Bendik’s goal.The remainder of the half saw the hosts in a commanding position pushing for a second goal and the visitors resorting to a more physical approach, committing a total of 10 fouls in the first half.
That second goal would come just before the halftime whistle, a corner kick from Michael Bradley headed down by Nick Hagglund and fired home by Moore to make it 2-0.
The Second Half
Coming out of the break, Toronto looked to put the final nail in the coffin and pick up its first win under the Greg Vanney era and the players obliged in the 54th min. Already with an assist in the match, a ball into the box eluded everyone and found the Brazilian for the third goal of the game.
As game was turning into a forgone conclusion with a 3-0 scoreline, both teams brought proceedings back to life, but not in the way either coach would’ve liked. After a tackle between the two, Jackson and Nigel Reo-Coker got into a kicking and shoving match before referee Edvin Jurisevic issued straight red cards to both in the 66th minute making the game a 10v10 affair.
Most will look at this match and think this was an expected result against a side that are among the worst teams in the league, and although that is indeed the case, it can also be seen as a vital three points after what has been a roller-coaster last few weeks full of controversial calls, upper management turmoil and and entire change in coaching staff.
Man of the Match
Gilberto
He showed his ability with the ball at his feet with a stylish back heel to set up the first goal, scored the third goal and displayed his usual energy and work rate. He gave the Chivas defence headaches when it came to marking, forcing both Bobby Burling and Eriq Zavaleta to get tighter on him and give up space to other players.
Honourable mention
Steven Caldwell
It’s not coincidence that Toronto FC put up a clean sheet in the captain's return.
Although Chivas isn’t the most potent team in attack without ‘Cubo’ Torres, the leadership Caldwell displays at the back makes the job of younger players much simpler and this match showed just how important his presence in the centre of defence has become.
Toronto FC Line-up
12 Joe Bendik
28 Mark Bloom
17 Nick Hagglund
13 Steven Caldwell
2 Justin Morrow
35 Daniel Lovitz
4 Michael Bradley
21 Jonathan Osorio
11 Jackson
9 Gilberto
27 Luke Moore
Substitutions: Warren Creavalle for Jonathan Osorio (68); Dominic Oduro for Luke Moore (73); Dwayne De Rosario for Daniel Lovitz (76).
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