Toronto FC Vs New York Red Bulls: 3 things we learned – Jozy Altidore at his best

Toronto FC managed to grind out a 3-1 home win against the New York Red Bulls. Here are three things we learned from Wednesday night’s clash at BMO field.

It was a defining match of Toronto FC’s 2019 season. With key players now well and truly back into the fold, an inspiring win over the Montreal Impact at the weekend to build off, and a chance to pull within two points of the New York Red Bulls, the Reds had an opportunity to inject their season with new life. And that they very much did, if with a little fortune.

Each team lined-up in a 4-4-2/4-2-3-1 hybrid, pressing the opposition in the defensive phase and playing direct in attack, culminating in a chaotic yet thoroughly entertaining match. Despite the result, the visitors were the better side. Toronto FC started the game well, breaking New York’s press by playing vertically into wide spaces to make use of the one-on-one capabilities of winger Jacob Shaffelburg on the left and full-back Richie Laryea on the right.

The Red Bulls, however, eventually caught on to Toronto’s strategy, harassing central midfielders Marky Delgado and Michael Bradley, cutting off passing angles to the flanks to create turnovers in Toronto’s defensive third. Unfortunate to be down 2-0 at the break, New York continued to dominate in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts when Tom Barlow cut the lead in half in the 63rd minute.

Toronto FC spent the latter stages of the second half in 5-4-1 low-block due to the Red Bulls’ supremacy, Shaffelburg’s inefficacy, and Alejandro Pozuelo’s injury. With the visitors throwing men forward in an attempt to penetrate the Reds’ defensive ranks, TFC had more space to attack during offensive transitions, resulting in substitute Ashtone Morgan’s fortuitous game-clinching goal in the 72nd minute. After Wednesday night’s victory, Toronto FC sit in sixth the East and will look win their third game in a row when they host Houston Dynamo this coming Saturday.

Here are three things we learned from Toronto FC’s win over the New York Red Bulls.

3. Awesome Altidore

Prior to his departure for the Gold Cup, Jozy Altidore was struggling to make an impact due to niggling injuries and a lack of support from teammates in the final third. The star striker played himself back into shape with the USMNT, however, and Greg Vanney’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 has provided him with more options upon his return.

Altidore was fantastic in his first game back against the Montreal Impact, and he impressed once again on Wednesday night. The veteran gave his side an early lead by executing a magnificent flick upon receiving a low cross at the near post from winger Tsubasa Endoh.

Altidore was also integral to the execution of his squad’s strategy. By dropping deep and playing with his back to goal throughout the match, he dragged Red Bulls’ defenders out of position to enable direct balls beyond the visitor’s backline to the pacey Shaffelburg. He then consistently offered a crossing option in the box by utilizing his strength and timing to find and create space.

TFC have lacked potency in the final third so far this season, but an in-form Altidore would surely mitigate this concern and help the Reds’ secure a playoff spot as the regular season draws to a close.