New York City FC Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned – Alejandro Pozuelo, the punisher

New York City FC were defeated 2-1 in their shocking early exit from the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Here are three things we learned.

Toronto FC pulled off a stunning upset in Wednesday night’s Eastern Conference semi-final at Citi Field, defeating New York City FC 2-1.

In the first half, the visitors’ man-oriented high press made it difficult for the Bronx Blues to settle on the ball and play their possession-based brand of football. Although TFC spent less time on the ball than the home side, the Reds created more chances, out-shooting NYCFC by a 4-1 margin. Toronto were unable to ripple the back of the net, however, heading into the break embroiled in a tense scoreless draw.

In a topsy-turvy second half, Toronto FC managed to grind out another thrilling postseason victory. Greg Vanney’s men took the driver’s seat just two minutes in when Maxime Chanot’s under-hit headed back-pass put Alejandro Pozuelo in on goal.

However, NYCFC responded well, switching from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 diamond after removing Keaton Parks in favor of Heber. TFC could not control the space in their own half and were unable to mount cohesive counter-attacks. Consequently, New York deservedly tied the game through Ismael Tajouri-Shradi in the 69th minute.

But then the introductions of Patrick Mullins and Richie Laryea enabled the Reds to pose a threat on the break. Laryea, known for his pace and dribbling ability, earned Toronto FC a penalty kick in the 89th minute, resulting in Alejandro Pozuelo’s audacious game-winning Panenka from the penalty spot.

Toronto FC advance to next week’s Eastern Conference Final with the win, taking on the winner of Thursday’s match between the Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United. Here are three things we learned from Toronto FC’s surprise victory in New York.

3. Marvelous Mavinga

With star defender Omar Gonzalez unavailable due to injury for the second match in a row, center-backs Laurent Ciman and Chris Mavinga had to be at their best against a lethal New York City FC attack. Mavinga was particularly impressive at Citi Field, putting on a stellar defensive display in a must-win game.

With his side deploying a man-oriented high press in the defensive phase, Mavinga had to lock down multiple areas of the pitch. Left-back Justin Morrow covered NYCFC right-back Anton Tinnerholm, meaning the 28-year-old center-back had to nullify tricky winger Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. Additionally, he was expected to step out of the backline to deal with balls played between the lines and monitor the movements of Maxi Moralez and Valentin Castellanos in and around the 18-yard box.

The French-born Congolese international excelled at each task. He kept Tajouri-Shradi at bay with disciplined one-on-one defending, anticipated passes played into central areas and used his strength to direct play away from goal, and took up good positions near his own net. Mavinga’s efforts culminated in an impressive statistical performance, as the defender committed just one foul, made two tackles, and was responsible for ten (yes,10!) clearances.

With Gonzalez struggling to regain fitness, Greg Vanney has had to rely on Mavinga to lead the defensive line in the U.S. international’s absence. And Mavinga certainly answered the call on Wednesday night.