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New York City FC Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned – Revenge is sweet

By Caitlyn Chale

New York City FC (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
New York City FC (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 26: Jesus Medina #19 of New York Citycelebrates after scoring the opening goal against Toronto FC during a round of sixteen match of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 26, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 26: Jesus Medina #19 of New York Citycelebrates after scoring the opening goal against Toronto FC during a round of sixteen match of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 26, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2. Defensive errors Toronto’s downfall

So far in the MLS is Back Tournament, Toronto FC have shown their defensive issues. From dropping points in the 2-2 tie against D.C. United to the 4-3 thriller against the Montreal Impact, their defense has consistently looked vulnerable. On Sunday night, New York City FC took advantage.

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Medina’s goal came off a free-kick, and then a pass in the box allowed the Paraguayan to score. Quentin Westberg perhaps could have been more alert to the shot, but the defenders in front of him had moved to try and defend against Tinnerholm, leaving the opening for Medina. That was the crucial error.

The second goal was far more problematic. A slick no-look pass from Maxi Moralez slipped Valentín Castellanos in behind. Toronto’s inability to defend against the Argentinians was poor. First, they failed to put pressure on the ball, then they allowed Castellanos to drive into the penalty area, before finally letting him come inside on his right foot and curl a finish in the bottom corner. Truthfully, Auro and Omar Gonzalez should have done more.

For the third goal, a pass from Gary Mackay-Steven to Héber, who then passed to an open Moralez. It was all too easy for the New York side. The Reds fell asleep defensively and lacked the necessary aggression and concentration.

Toronto FC are an excellent offensive outfit. They created plenty of chances here, again, but it was their problems at the other end that were their undoing, as has been the case throughout the tournament.

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