Toronto FC vs DC United: The minutes that mattered

Nobody likes defense anyways right? A combined 8 goals between Toronto FC and DC United resulted in one of the most exciting games of the season.

Wow.

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Soccer really is a game of halves. The first half told a story of last place DC United dominating the defending champions and embarrassing them on their home turf. It was so brutal that the Toronto FC faithful booed their team into the tunnel as the whistle blew for halftime. The team that came out of that tunnel was completely different. TFC was energized, attacked with purpose, and were filled with hope. Captain Michael Bradley was still as terrible as ever trying his hardest, but everyone else seemed to turn it up a notch. A tie isn’t ideal for TFC as they needed 3 points at home before they head out on a tough road swing. DC United will also be disappointed not to bring home 3 points as they had a 3 goal lead and what looked to be an easy victory.

In a game with 8 goals, it is easy to say the goalies were awful. However, in this case, it’s much different. Both goalies made some massive saves to ensure that both teams had a shot at winning, the defense on the other hand…yikes. The following will show just a few of the minutes that mattered throughout this crazy game.

Minutes that mattered

17th Minute: Paul Arriola scores the goal of the week (according to me). The first goal was arguably the most important for DC, as it gave them the confidence to go and get another. However, Arriola’s header is just too good not to display in this spot. It was very weak defending for Toronto but all the credit on that finish is given to Arriola. Just a gorgeous goal. You will be seeing that on the highlight reel the next few weeks.

64th Minute: Vazquez puts away a rebound to bring it back to a one-goal game. Again, TFC’s first goal was probably more important. It started the comeback and gave the home crowd hope that a comeback was possible. The second goal though made hoping for a possible comeback, change to a real possibility. Giovinco with a beautiful shot with a bend that would have made Beckham jealous. Unfortunately, it hit the post. Fortunately, Victor Vazquez was there to put it in the back of the net.

90th Minute: Yamil Asad breaks the hearts of TFC fans everywhere. Toronto FC came back from 3 goals only to have Asad come down and score his second of the match to give DC a one-goal lead heading into extra time. It was extremely lazy defending from Toronto and you could see the disbelief in the eyes of every fan in attendance.

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92nd Minute: Nicky Hagglund bags a brace to send everyone home happy. Nick Hagglund wasn’t done. After scoring TFC’s 3rd goal to tie the game (at the time) with a well-placed header, he puts the team on his back and put away another header. Nick Hagglund’s head 2 David Ousted 0.

Man of the Match

While I am sure that Yamil Asad deserves it because of his two goals, I’m going with Nick Hagglund. Grabbing a brace in under 10 minutes is impressive. Added to the fact that both goals were necessary for Toronto to leave with points gives Hagglund the nod for me.

Worst of the Match

Another dreadful game from Michael Bradley. Don’t get me wrong he wasn’t the worst player on the pitch, but when a player of his caliber gives in that type of performance, it’s just upsetting. Two of Dc goals resulted from Bradley’s poor play, including DC’s 4th goal. He needs to be better and fast before or else I would strongly consider benching him if I were Vanney.

Next: MLS Week 15 Power Rankings

What’s next?

Next for both teams is a bit of a break. Toronto FC will be visiting New York City FC on June 24th, while DC United aren’t back in action until June 30th against New England Revolution.