FC Dallas Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned – Gold Cup no excuse for calamity

2. Lots of action on Toronto FC’s left

With FC Dallas targeting opponents’ left flank on 41% of their attacking moves this season, Toronto FC should have been prepared to protect their left side heading into last night’s game.

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The Reds tried to dissuade Dallas from executing their game plan by looking for Justin Morrow on the overlap to exploit Barrios’ lack of defensive discipline in hopes Luchi Gonzalez would become reluctant to attack through the Colombian winger.

Nevertheless, FC Dallas remained committed to their strategy. Prodigious playmaker Paxton Pomykal combined with Bressan and Barrios in attack, creating 3-vs-2 situations against Chapman and Morrow. Consequently, Barrios was able to take Chapman on in 1-vs-1’s out wide with regularity, resulting in Dallas’ opening goal in the 41st minute.

FC Dallas continued to exploit Toronto’s left side in the second half, despite TFC’s switch to an attack-minded 4-4-1-1. Morrow kept pushing up into attacking positions from left full-back, subjecting plodding and panicky center-back Drew Moor to one-on-one engagements with the agile and fast-twitch Barrios and Pomykal. With more space at his disposal in the second half, the latter played a crucial role in Dallas’ third goal, providing the hockey assist on Dominque Badji’s second goal of the night.