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New York City FC Vs Toronto FC: Winners and losers – Michael Bradley shows his class

By Chris Smith

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Alejandro Pozuelo #10 of Toronto FC fights for the ball against Tony Rocha #15 of New York City FC during the first half of their game at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Alejandro Pozuelo #10 of Toronto FC fights for the ball against Tony Rocha #15 of New York City FC during the first half of their game at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11: Valentín Castellanos #11 of New York City FC controls the ball with pressure from Michael Bradley #4 of Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11: Valentín Castellanos #11 of New York City FC controls the ball with pressure from Michael Bradley #4 of Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Winner – Michael Bradley

That first penalty came from a moment of absolute genius from Michael Bradley, firing a first-time pass behind the New York City FC defence as if it weren’t there from his deep-lying midfield position. Keep an eye out for the MLS Pass of the Week — if this one doesn’t win it, there’s something wrong.

The veteran midfielder grew into the game from there and it’s no surprise that Toronto took control of the game once Bradley got a foothold.

The 32-year-old got his side ticking with 55 successful passes, keeping possession moving quickly at the base of the midfield and slowly helping Toronto push NYCFC deeper as the game went on. And off the ball, Bradley showed all of his experience and intelligence, making three tackles and a match-high three interceptions.

Bradley will forever be underrated but when he’s at his best, Toronto are a fluid machine on the ball.

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