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Three decisions: Toronto FC's defense was an issue

Posted on by Neons

ANALYSIS – Toronto FC's defense is something to improve on as this is the third game they have given up more than two goals. However, credit must be given to Charlotte FC for capitalizing on their scoring opportunities.

Toronto FC's defense held up in Charlotte FC's 3-2 loss

The third is a game that gives up more than two goals

After such a positive start defensively, TFC had trouble getting the ball through the net. This was evident on Charlotte's second goal, when Liel Abada capitalized on a poor pass at TFC's end of the field. It worked Abada scored Charlotte's second goal. This goal also applies to TFC head coach John Herdman (Source: Canadian Press):

“We can't give up on goals like that,” Herdman said. “We had this conversation in the group (after the game). There were so many things I loved about the show.”

Charlotte deserved credit for the other two goals she scored. That included Charlotte's first goal Kerwin Vargas, it was a very well taken goal. Yes, maybe TFC could have narrowed down the space a bit, but it's not an easy place to score and Vargas took advantage of his scoring opportunity.

The substitutions worked well for Charlotte FC

The substitutions worked out well for Charlotte FC. The most notable substitution was Patrick Agyemang who scored the game winning goal. It was a well-executed goal and Brecht Deijère was assisted by a good pass. Jaylin Lindsey also has to get credit for making the play, as he saw Dejaeger with plenty of space to operate by himself. It was also something TFC head coach Herdman didn't like (Source: Canadian Press):

“It's just a crime. … How come we didn't have a player go and press (Dejae)? Herdman thought.

Then, when Charlotte won, they took Abada out and brought in Junior Urso as a defensive midfielder. Urso helped close out the game for the Crown and secure a 3-2 win for Charlotte.

Toronto FC had chances to score

Like Charlotte, TFC had five shots on goal and 11 shots overall. Toronto FC has had some good moments, as some of these features include:

  • Bernardeschi approached the goal, but could not put the ball behind the goal.
  • Jahkile Marshall-Rutty headed close to goal, but his header went wide.

Bernardeschi really did a great job creating scoring opportunities for Toronto, but it felt like TFC didn't give him enough help to get scoring opportunities, especially in the first half.

Other factors – Toronto FC had a game to remember in Prince Owusu

German striker Owusu had a great performance for TFC. In it two goals, Owusu put himself in the right positions to score. It's hard to do, and not everyone has that skill. The closest comparison to this might be Adriana Leon for the Canadian women's soccer team. Herdman also noticed Ousu's big game (source: Canadian Press):

“A real big step for him.”

It also helped Bernardeschi create scoring opportunities. This played a big part in Owusu scoring two goals for the club. The second goal in particular was a beautiful goal as it involved other TFC players such as Marshall-Rutty.

It also has to be said that TFC found a way to bounce back after falling behind twice. Owusu's first goal came after some sustained pressure to start the second half. There was also a second goal, eight minutes after Charlotte's goal in Abada.

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This sentiment can be shared with Owusu, who admitted that despite being disappointed with the result, TFC never gave up in the game (source: James Grossi of Toronto FC):

“I came from the bench and tried my best to help the team. We played a good game. Far away in Charlotte, we knew it wasn't going to be easy. We knew it was going to be a tough game,” he continued. “To get those two goals, how we responded, says a lot about the team, we're not going to give up.”

Disappointingly, Kevin Long received a red card late in the game. Long's first yellow card, which he complained to the referee at the call, hurt him when he picked up his second late in the game. As a result, Long will be out next weekend against the New England Revolution.

Upcoming games for both teams

READ MORE: Charlotte FC vs Toronto FC: Both are looking to get back on track

For TFC, they have two games coming up soon, both at BMO Field. The first is against the New England Revolution on April 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET. They will then begin their Canadian Championship campaign against Simcoe County Rovers on April 23, 2024, a date yet to be announced.

READ MORE: Three-way: Luca Gavran kept a clean sheet for the first time in MLS history

As for Charlotte FC, they resume their home game against Minnesota United FC at Bank of America Stadium on April 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Charlotte have not been great of late but this win will help them and their confidence as they have played well at home recently.

Both MLS games for TFC and Charlotte will be broadcast live on Apple TV. As for the TFC Canadian Championship game, it can be seen live on OneSoccer as well as Telus and FuboTV Inc.

Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Headshot by Patrick Agyemang and Kevin Long on April 13, 2024.

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