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DC United Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned – Anyone know a striker?

By Marko Babic

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 29: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) beats Toronto FC goalkeeper Quentin Westberg (16) from the penalty spot for DC United goal during a MLS match between D.C United and Toronto FC on June 29, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 29: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) beats Toronto FC goalkeeper Quentin Westberg (16) from the penalty spot for DC United goal during a MLS match between D.C United and Toronto FC on June 29, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA MAY 08: Toronto’s Richie Laryea (22) looks to make a move during the MLS match between Toronto FC and Atlanta United FC on May 8th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA MAY 08: Toronto’s Richie Laryea (22) looks to make a move during the MLS match between Toronto FC and Atlanta United FC on May 8th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Richie Laryea belongs further up-field

Richie Laryea has featured regularly at right-back recently, showcasing his attacking prowess in the process. To be fair, Laryea does over-elaborate at times, taking too many touches in hopes of beating his man instead of simply passing and moving into space.

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That said, his willingness to attack his marker is justified. Laryea has repeatedly glided past opponents en route to creating chances for his teammates, as evidenced by his contribution on Nick DeLeon’s go-ahead goal against United.

Unfortunately, Laryea does not excel at defending. His awkward attempt at slide tackling the ball out of danger culminated in an Atlanta goal this past Wednesday, and his struggles in the defensive third continued last night. He was caught out of position too often in the first half, failing to track back after his side conceded possession. Laryea also looked out of his depth on 1-v-1’s, as per usual. There is no middle ground in his defensive approach, as he is either too passive or unnecessarily aggressive. An example of the latter scenario transpired in the 42nd minute when Laryea received a yellow card for recklessly leaving his feet, taking United play-maker Luciano Acosta out from behind.

Richie Laryea has certainly demonstrated tremendous potential as an attacking player, and Auro’s imminent return to action should allow Laryea to compete with Tsubasa Endoh for the right-wing forward spot in Greg Vanney’s starting XI from here on out.

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