LA Galaxy Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned – Zlatan dominates

2. Toronto FC’s weedy wing-play

Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney has come to rely on Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg to provide width in attack as of late, however, neither player made an impact on Thursday night.

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TFC targeted Galaxy left-back Diego Polenta in the first half by sending Laryea up-field from right full-back to engage the Uruguayan. Polenta’s patient approach intimated Laryea, resulting in the latter passing back to Marky Delgado rather than attempting to dribble or send crosses into the Galaxy’s penalty area. To make matters worse, the home side adapted to the Reds’ strategy by deploying an offside trap. Laryea fell prey to LA’s strategy on multiple occasions, failing to time his runs when balls were played behind the Galaxy’s backline.

Toronto FC changed tack in the second half, attacking the Galaxy’s right through Jacob Shaffelburg. Shaffelburg, though, was far too predictable when confronted by Julian Araujo, looking to drive forward and cross nearly every time he received the ball in a threatening position. The 19-year-old prospect never succeeded in dribbling past his man, while most of his crosses were premature, coming before his fellow attackers could create numerical or positional superiority in the Galaxy’s box.

Laryea and Shaffelburg have done well to add width to Toronto FC’s attacking approach but will need to perform well on a consistent basis to cement spots in manager Greg Vanney’s starting XI.