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Toronto FC Vs San Jose Earthquakes: 3 things we learned – Altidore can’t rescue Reds

By Marko Babic

ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Toronto head coach Greg Vanney holds his head in his hands during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Toronto head coach Greg Vanney holds his head in his hands during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: Chris Mavinga (23) of Toronto FC jumps in the air after the ball during the second half of the MLS Decision Day match between Toronto FC and Atlanta United FC on October 28, 2018, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: Chris Mavinga (23) of Toronto FC jumps in the air after the ball during the second half of the MLS Decision Day match between Toronto FC and Atlanta United FC on October 28, 2018, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Mavinga lacks awareness

Chris Mavinga had a shocker against the Earthquakes. The Congolese left-back occupied the left center-back role. His poor positioning on each of Chris Wondolowski’s goals revealed his unfamiliarity with the basics of defending.

During the lead up to Wondolowski’s 37th-minute equalizer, Mavinga positioned himself according to the movement of ball-carrier Cristian Espinoza rather than providing cover against any oncoming runners in order to cut out Espinoza’s cross.

He then repeated this error on San Jose’s 80th-minute winner, shifting towards the ball just enough to allow Wondolowski to pounce on Espinoza’s cross once again. Making the mistake once is forgivable. Doing so twice is criminal, especially in the same match.

Next. USMNT: 3 takeaways from preliminary Gold Cup roster. dark

What are your takeaways from last night’s encounter at BMO Field? Let me know in the comments below!

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