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Toronto FC: Three Takeaways @ Philadelphia

By Mark Shannon

Mar 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) controls the ball past Philadelphia Union defender Richie Marquez (16) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) controls the ball past Philadelphia Union defender Richie Marquez (16) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC gets another draw to make it back-to-back draws to start the season. But the result was overshadowed by the injury to Sebastian Giovinco.

Make it back-to-back draws for Toronto FC to start the season. It was a back and forth affair as the teams traded goals in both the first and second halves.  But the biggest news on the day was the injury to start player Sebastian Giovinco.  While it was reported after the game that it was a right knee contusion.  This was what Grey Vanney had to say after the game:

There will be lots of questions heading into next weekends clash with the Whitecaps in Vancouver. But how will TFC deal with the possible absence of their star player Giovinco.

While it was a point and a good road point at that, they had the win in their grasps.  And one bad lapse in defense cost them the complete three points.  With Chris Mavinga making his league debut last night, look for him to get a full game in next Saturday vs the Whitecaps. The Union had a chance to go ahead 2-0 in the first half, but for Bedoyas’ missed penalty shot.

Three takeaways for Toronto FC

Mar 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) celebrates his goal with defender Nick Hagglund (6) and forward Tsubasa Endoh (9) during the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) celebrates his goal with defender Nick Hagglund (6) and forward Tsubasa Endoh (9) during the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Getting on the board

While they struggled to score against Real Salt Lake they didn’t have the same problem against Philadelphia.  They traded goals in the first half and could have been down 2-0.  But as fate were to have it Altidore would step up to the spot and score the first goal of the season for the Reds. Also with the injury to Giovinco, more emphasis will be put on the American if Seba has to miss a few games.

2. How long will Giovinco be out?

With the injury to Giovinco the real question on TFC fans minds will be how long will he be out? If the injury sidelines Giovinco for a longer period of time then that will be a tough break for Toronto. While at first glance the injury didn’t look too serious he sure looked in a lot of pain. So TFC fans will be holding their collective breathes and hoping the “Atomic Ant” won’t be out for a long time.

3. Another late game collapse

While taking a point on the road against the Union isn’t something to dwell on.  They had the three points in their grasps.  After Justin Morrow deposited the second goal late in the second half. Toronto allowed CJ Sapong to beat the defense for an easy shot at net.  This has been the norm for most Toronto teams, but last year they were the best defensive team in the MLS.  Hopefully the addition of Chris Mavinga into the starting lineup will tighten things up.

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