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Toronto FC held to scoreless draw at home by Sporting Kansas City

By Mark Shannon

Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A large Canadian flag is passed over spectators during the anthems before Toronto FC host Sporting KC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A large Canadian flag is passed over spectators during the anthems before Toronto FC host Sporting KC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC was looking to get a big win in front of their own crowd, but Sporting Kansas City had other ideas.

It’s been 111 days since Toronto last played at home. Toronto FC fans December 10th, 2016 was heartbreaking, torturous, and sad. Losing the MLS Cup Final on penalty shots just made the wait for the new season that more difficult. So last night Toronto FC tried to write a different story with a win against Sporting Kansas City in their 2017 home opener.

While they hoped to get three points they couldn’t break the Sporting Kansas City defence and the game ended 0-0. Goalkeeper Clint Irwin went down in the first half with what looked like a knee injury. While Toronto was the better of the two teams, controlling the game with 60% possession, they couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. Their best chance came from a Sebastian Giovinco free-kick, in which he drilled the ball off the crossbar. Jonathan Osorio had numerous chances in front of goal, but couldn’t get a shot on target.

Three Key Takeaways for Toronto FC

1. How long is Clint Irwin out?

The injury to Clint Irwin looked bad at first glance, and even at second and third glance. But what looked like a bad knee injury is reportedly just a hamstring issue.  While the severity of the injury is not yet known Irwin is a huge piece of the Toronto FC puzzle.  Alex Bono has looked good in the games he has played. If Irwin is out for an extended period of time, look for Bono to get the bulk of the playing time.

Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Clint Irwin (1) grimaces as he leaves the game after suffering an injury against Sporting KC in the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Clint Irwin (1) grimaces as he leaves the game after suffering an injury against Sporting KC in the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Missed chances

Once again here we are talking about the same thing. Finish, finish, finish. Those are the words Jonathan Osorio will be hearing in his sleep. The gifted midfielder was given numerous chances in front of goal, but missed the net on every single one of them. While Osorio had his chances so did others, who tried to pass the ball into the back of the net.  If Toronto FC keeps this up throughout the rest of the season a return trip to the MLS Cup Final won’t be in the cards.

3. Toronto strong in defence
Once again Toronto held a clean sheet, their third this season. The back-three of Hagglund, Moor and Zavaleta seem to have found great chemistry. With Toronto controlling possession for most of the match they can really focus on keeping the ball out. Look for Mavinga to get a start sooner than later, he’s quick and adds great depth to Toronto’s back-line. Greg Vanney’s 3-5-2 seems to be working very well for Toronto, so now if they can only get their offence going.

Next: Worst MLS Designated Player Signings in History

Toronto is at home again next weekend against Atlanta United.

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