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Toronto FC Vs New York City FC: 5 things we learned – Welcome, Ifunanyachi Achara

By Andrew Dowdeswell

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 07: Fans sing the national anthem prior to the first half of an MLS game between New York City FC and Toronto FC at BMO Field on March 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 07: Fans sing the national anthem prior to the first half of an MLS game between New York City FC and Toronto FC at BMO Field on March 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Alexandru Mitrita #28 of New York City controls the ball against Harrison Afful #25 and Darlington Nagbe #6 of Columbus Crew SC during the first half of their game at MAPFRE Stadium on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Alexandru Mitrita #28 of New York City controls the ball against Harrison Afful #25 and Darlington Nagbe #6 of Columbus Crew SC during the first half of their game at MAPFRE Stadium on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

4. New York City FC need more from wingers

On paper, New York City FC have a crop of extremely exciting and threatening wide attackers. They have two Designated Players, felt comfortable enough to trade away Jonathan Lewis last season, and still have the likes of Gary Mackay-Steven and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi on the bench. And yet, when it comes to the product on the pitch, those wingers often go quiet.

While Maxi Moralez and Heber will always be the heartbeat of the attacking play, Alexandru Mitrita and Jesus Medina offer a different type of outlet, one that NYCFC have been unable to make the most of: speed and directness.

On several occasions, the pair would showcase their dribbling ability. A sharp turn here, a flick around the corner there, a knock and run past a Toronto defender. But these moments were fleeting and inconsistent, and it led to TFC being able to press forwards and control the match. NYCFC, in theory, have capable wide attackers. And yet, on the pitch, it never plays out as it should.

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