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Toronto FC vs Real Salt Lake: Recap and Three Takeaways

By Mark Shannon

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran (2) and Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) battle for the ball in the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium. The game ended 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran (2) and Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) battle for the ball in the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium. The game ended 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Real Salt Lake hold Toronto FC to scoreless draw at Rio Tinto Stadium in home opener!

It’s a new season, and more missed chances by Toronto FC.  Most of all the missed penalty by Sebastian Giovinco. While Toronto could have walked away with three points, the point away at Salt Lake is a good sign.

TFC controlled possession for most of the game and looked good on the counter attack. Real Salt Lake were plagued by sloppy defense early on giving up a few in Crichton chances.  Nick Rimando was the story for Real Salt Lake as he made a number of crucial saves, including a nice chance by Jozy Altidore in close.

1. Missed Chances: 

Toronto FC have always had an issue with missed opportunities, and yesterday was no different.  Giovinco was turned away from the penalty spot by Rimando.  Altidore had a glorious chance after a muffed clearance attempt set him free. A bunch of other missed opportunities and TFC would have walked away with a huge road win.

But a point away vs a tough opponent is something to build upon. Now with another road matchup against the Philadelphia Union next Saturday they’ll be looking to to get on the scoresheet.  Converting on those opportunities will be the focus for Greg Vanney’s side.

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando (18) makes a save on a penalty kick by Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) in the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando (18) makes a save on a penalty kick by Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) in the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

2.  Albert Rusnak:

He showed Salt Lake fans what he brings to the table. Quick thinking and playmaking ability will make him a tough cover every game. While he went up against one of the best defensive midfielders in Michael Bradley, and he didn’t score or set up a goal, he didn’t look out of place.

Look for the 22-year-old Slovakian to start asserting himself as the season progresses. Himself and Yura Movsisyan should form a solid duo and will link up well together. Rusnak looks like he’ll be able to fill the shoes of the legendary Javier Morales. But then again it’s only one game. And one game does not a man make.

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnak (11) cheers their fans after the 0-0 tie against the Toronto FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnak (11) cheers their fans after the 0-0 tie against the Toronto FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Toronto FC defensively: 

They are one of the most sound units. Drew Moor anchored the back-line to another clean sheet. While only giving up 39 goals last season they’ll be looking for less this season. They were solid on defense, even without new acquisition Chris Mavinga.

Once you add Mavinga into the lineup things should become even more solid. Acclimate new signing Victor Vazquez into the lineup things as well, and things should should fall into place. Perfectly.

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