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Toronto FC Vs Orlando City: 3 things to look for – Can Osorio step up?

By Marko Babic

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 26: Jonathan Osorio (21) of Toronto FC shoots the ball during the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 match between Toronto FC and Independiente de la Chorrera on February 26, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 26: Jonathan Osorio (21) of Toronto FC shoots the ball during the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 match between Toronto FC and Independiente de la Chorrera on February 26, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 29: Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) tackles D.C. United midfielder Lucas Rodriguez (11) 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: Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) tackles D.C. United midfielder Lucas Rodriguez (11) 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) /

2. Morrow will be missed

Justin Morrow will be unavailable against Orlando due to suspension. The ordinarily steady left-back received a straight red against New York after his mistimed header forced him to prevent Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Philips from a breakaway by clinging on to the Englishmen’s shirt.

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Morrow has been instrumental in Greg Vanney’s switch from a 3-5-1-1 formation to a 4-2-3-1. In the latter system, Vanney added width to Toronto FC’s attack by having left-winger Jacob Shaffelburg hug the touchline in the final third and allowing right-back Richie Laryea to shuttle up and down the right flank. Consequently, Morrow often finds himself forming a back three with the Reds remaining defenders, participating in his side’s build-up play and locking down the left side in the defensive phase to complement the attack-mindedness of Shaffelburg.

From what I have seen of Orlando thus far this season, the Lions are a defensive, counter-attacking side reliant on long balls to their wingers to create goal-scoring opportunities. Without Morrow, TFC will have to rely on Ashtone Morgan to play out of the back, unleash Shaffelburg, and deal with Orlando’s counters. However, the Canadian international has not impressed in his five appearances in the league this season. Morgan is nervy on the ball, and thus is far from an asset during build-up play, and he lacks the agility and pace required to contain quick and tricky wingers.

Morrow has been one of Toronto FC’s unsung heroes this season. His contributions often go unnoticed, but his importance to Vanney’s side may become apparent if Morgan is instructed to replicate Morrow’s role against Orlando City.

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