When Philadelphia Union faced Toronto FC earlier this season, Alejandro Bedoya’s header rebounded off the crossbar before the defending champions poured in three goals to take the points. Here are a few key takeaways from the two clubs’ second meeting of the season.
Missed opportunities
Jonathan Osorio finished his breakaway and the Union could not do the same when they got behind the Toronto defense. After controlling the early exchanges of play, Philadelphia was sucker punched when Osorio’s perfect touch took him in alone on Andre Blake. Almost immediately, Fafa Picault and Ilsinho had chances in alone on Alex Bono’s goal, but neither could put the ball behind TFC’s goalie. Finishing has been a constant thorn in the Union’s side this season and Friday night was no different.
Slowed to a crawl
After blowing a 3-0 lead against Columbus Crew last weekend, Toronto was determined to protect their advantage against Philadelphia. In the second half, they looked to play at a glacial pace, spreading the field and only pushing forward when they had a clear advantage. WIthout his typical midfield to call upon, Jim Curtin responded by throwing on Derrick Jones and David Accam to introduce more physicality and pace to the game. Accam found a great look late in the match, but the Union were never able to increase the pace of play and generate a consistent string of chances.
Makeshift midfield
With Ale Bedoya and Haris Medunjanin suspended, Jim Curtin went with an aggressive midfield. Warren Creavalle and Borek Dockal lined up in deeper roles behind Ilsinho as Philly looked to use the Brazilian to overload the wide areas and get behind Toronto’s back line with their speed. It worked early in the match, and Dockal was able to stride forward and spread the ball around with aplomb. But after TFC went ahead, they could afford to sit deeper and protect the wings. This made it more difficult for the Union to penetrate and they were never able to score the goal that could have inspired a comeback.
