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

By Marko Babic

FRISCO, TX - JUNE 22: FC Dallas forward Dominique Badji (14) celebrates after scoring a goal during the game between FC Dallas and Toronto FC on June 22, 2019 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX - JUNE 22: FC Dallas forward Dominique Badji (14) celebrates after scoring a goal during the game between FC Dallas and Toronto FC on June 22, 2019 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – JUNE 18: Head coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States welcomes Michael Bradley #4 back to the bench after a substitution during the second half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup match against the Guyana at Allianz Field on June 18, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. The United States defeated Guyana 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – JUNE 18: Head coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States welcomes Michael Bradley #4 back to the bench after a substitution during the second half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup match against the Guyana at Allianz Field on June 18, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. The United States defeated Guyana 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Gold Cup no excuse

Toronto FC were dealing with several key players missing through international duty. Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore were unavailable due to the Gold Cup, for instance. It would be easy to blame this defeat on their absence. But patterns pre-dating their departure for the Gold Cup emerged again, illustrating the deeper-rooted vulnerabilities of the team.

Having Osorio start in Chapman’s place may have provided TFC with a much-needed creative spark in the final third, but it would not have remedied reoccurring issues. As per usual, Toronto FC’s midfield pressured half-heartily when attempting to win the ball high up the pitch, failed to recover quickly enough in defensive transitions, and was bypassed with ease in their own half when they were set up to defend.

Yet again, Toronto’s defenders struggled to move as a unit and were guilty of decisive individual errors. Regardless of the personnel at his disposal, Greg Vanney has demonstrated an inability to devise and implement a functional defensive structure dating back to last season. This match was simply another example of Vanney exhibiting his limitations as a manager, given that he failed to protect what we all know is a mediocre backline by placing an inadequate number of midfielders in front of them.

Next. USMNT Vs Trinidad & Tobago: 3 things we learned. dark

Yes, the Gold Cup absentees did not help. But they are not a valid reason for this calamitous defeat. What were your takeaways from last night’s defeat in Dallas? Let me know in the comments below.

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