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

By Marko Babic

QUEENS, NY - OCTOBER 23: Captain Michael Bradley #4 of Toronto FC claps as he charges up his team during the 2nd half of the 2019 MLS Cup Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Semifinal match between New York City FC and Toronto FC at Citi Field on October 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Toronto FC won the match with a score of 2 to 1 and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
QUEENS, NY - OCTOBER 23: Captain Michael Bradley #4 of Toronto FC claps as he charges up his team during the 2nd half of the 2019 MLS Cup Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Semifinal match between New York City FC and Toronto FC at Citi Field on October 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Toronto FC won the match with a score of 2 to 1 and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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QUEENS, NY – OCTOBER 23: Alejandro Pozuelo #10 of Toronto FC celebrates his 2nd goal of the night by sliding on the pitch during 2019 MLS Cup Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Semifinal match between New York City FC and Toronto FC at Citi Field on October 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Toronto FC won the match with a score of 2 to 1 and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
QUEENS, NY – OCTOBER 23: Alejandro Pozuelo #10 of Toronto FC celebrates his 2nd goal of the night by sliding on the pitch during 2019 MLS Cup Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Semifinal match between New York City FC and Toronto FC at Citi Field on October 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Toronto FC won the match with a score of 2 to 1 and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

1. Pozuelo punishes New York again

Alejandro Pozuelo has enjoyed a bright but brief tenure in MLS thus far. The former Genk man’s league debut came in a 4-0 home victory over New York City FC, in which he alerted Reds supporters to his tremendous potential by scoring two stunning goals and providing an assist.

Pozuelo was not as potent in the return leg at Yankee Stadium, but he did manage to snatch three points from the home side via a penalty kick. And this time around, Toronto’s talisman terrorized the Blues once again in midweek as his two goals eliminated New York City FC from the playoffs.

Pozuelo’s technical quality and cold-bloodedness in front of goal were on full display at Citi Field. The Seville native demonstrated fantastic awareness, determination, and technical ability on his first goal, smoothly bringing the ball down prior to finishing with his weaker left foot after pouncing on Chanot’s error. He then proceeded to showcase his class once again from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, sending Sean Johnson left before cruelly clipping the ball into a wide-open goal.

dark. Next. Seattle Sounders Vs Real Salt Lake: 3 things we learned

With main striker Jozy Altidore still coping with his quad injury, Toronto FC will continue to rely on Pozuelo upfront. If the Spaniard can replicate his performances against City in next week’s conference final, we may very well see the Reds in the MLS Cup for the third time in four years.

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