DC United scraped out a point in the 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday night. Here are three things we learned from Saturday’s clash at Audi Stadium.
DC United and Toronto FC battled to a 1-1 draw last night at Audi Stadium. Greg Vanney’s men lined-up in a 4-3-3 for the second game in a row against United’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation. Even though TFC were out-possessed in the first half, they were stable defensively and looked a threat in attack, taking the lead through a Nick DeLeon tap-in in the 19th minute.
Momentum swung in the second half, however, as DC United committed more men forward, forcing the visitors to absorb pressure in a 5-4-1 low-block. The Reds did their best to cling on to their one-goal advantage, but crumbled under pressure, conceding a late equalizer on a Wayne Rooney spot kick.
Toronto FC will be disappointed with Saturday’s result but will look to continue to make progress in their new system when they travel to Los Angeles to square off against the Galaxy next Thursday.
Here are three things we learned from Saturday’s stalemate in Washington.
3. Toronto FC in need of a new striker
Toronto FC are reportedly in the market for a new striker, and rightfully so.
Jordan Hamilton has yet to start in Jozy Altidore’s absence, betraying Greg Vanney’s lack of confidence in the former, despite his knack for late-game heroics. Terrence Boyd was preferred to Hamilton but offered little before giving way to attacking midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo, who flourished as a false nine this week.
Hamilton and Boyd’s poor form led Vanney to rely upon rarely-used youngster Ayo Akinola, who was subbed on in the 67th minute to play alone up front, enabling Pozuelo to drop back into midfield.
The 19-year-old’s inexperience proved costly, as his mauling of defender Frederic Brillant in the penalty area during a D.C. United corner in the 89th minute resulted in Wayne Rooney’s game-tying penalty kick.
The fact that Vanney threw on an unproven player with a one-goal lead, in combination with the club’s search for an additional striker indicates Toronto FC do not believe in their more experienced options. If the Reds secure the services of a new striker, the club will probably look to cut ties with Hamilton and Boyd, whereas Akinola ought to be sent back down to the second team to get regular playing time.