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Toronto FC Vs FC Cincinnati: 3 things to look for – Osorio or no Osorio?

By Marko Babic

Canada´s Toronto FC Jonathan Osorio (L) celebrates his goal during the second leg CONCACAF Champions League semifinals match against Mexico´s America at Azteca stadium in Mexico City on April 10, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / PEDRO PARDO (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)
Canada´s Toronto FC Jonathan Osorio (L) celebrates his goal during the second leg CONCACAF Champions League semifinals match against Mexico´s America at Azteca stadium in Mexico City on April 10, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / PEDRO PARDO (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JULY 20: Houston Dynamo Defender Alejandro Fuenmayor (2) pursues Toronto FC Forward Jacob Shaffelburg (24) during the regular season MLS soccer match between Toronto FC and Houston Dynamo at BMO Field in Toronto, ON., July 20, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JULY 20: Houston Dynamo Defender Alejandro Fuenmayor (2) pursues Toronto FC Forward Jacob Shaffelburg (24) during the regular season MLS soccer match between Toronto FC and Houston Dynamo at BMO Field in Toronto, ON., July 20, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Will Shaffelburg’s poor form continue?

19-year-old left-winger Jacob Shaffelburg’s energy, directness, and selflessness saw him emerge as a key cog of Toronto FC’s attack during the Gold Cup. But he has been less impressive in recent weeks.

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Shaffelburg has added width to the Reds’ attack by consistently hugging the by-line prior to receiving the ball, dribbling forward and whipping in crosses. However, the Halifax native has become predictable, resulting in opposing defenders tightly marking him and contesting his many crossing attempts.

Over the last four matches, Shaffelburg has been among Toronto FC’s lowest-rated players according to the MLS Audi Index. He has failed to dribble his marker in two of his last four appearances and has only found his target three of his 13 attempted crosses since July 4th.

With Toronto FC desperate to get back into the playoffs this season, they will need to find a reliable option on the left-wing. Consequently, Shaffelburg will have to add more to his game if he is to remain a mainstay in Greg Vanney’s starting XI.

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