Bono (25)
Steven Beitashour (33),, Eric Zavaleta (15), Drew moor (3), Justin Morrow (2)
Jonathan Osorio (21), Michael Bradley (4), Will Johnson (7), Mark Delgado (18)
Jozy Altidore (17) Sebastian Giovinco (10)
Cj Sapong (17)
Chris Pontius (13), Tranquillo Barnetta (10), Ilsinho (33)
Warren Creavalle (2), Alejandro Bedoya (11)
Fabinho (33), Richie Marquez (16), Ken Tribbett (4), Keegan Rosenberry (12)
Andre Blake (1)
Just 3 points separated Toronto and Philly in the table before Saturday night’s game. After NYCFC’s win today, both teams will be just out of striking range of the league leaders. But with a game in hand for both teams today, a win could put them one step closer to taking down the sophomore giants.
Saturday night was the home debut of DP signing Alejandro Bedoya for Philadelphia. He made an immediate impact last week, helping the team to a 4-0 victory, it’s highest margin of victory this year, and only it’s second road win. Toronto on the other hand is coming off of a hot streak that propelled the Canadians to 2nd place. Led by last years MVP Sebastian Giovinco, and USMNT captain Michael Bradley, Toronto is making a late push, and showing the quality of players on display.
The first chance of the game went to the Union. Richie Marquez got on the end of a Tranquillo Barnetta free kick, but his header was too high and flew over the net. The Union continued to pressure Toronto. Once Philadelphia regained possession, they immediately played forward, trying to get into the Toronto box.
Toronto got a dangerous opportunity through a Giovinco free kick 28 yards out, but Blake came up big to palm the ball away from the lower left corner.
Blake had a nervy moment, however, in the 17th minute. He fumbled a low cross, but was able to pounce on the loose ball before a Toronto player could get near it.
Who else but Giovinco could opened the scoring; the diminutive forward notched one in the 18th minute. He broke free behind the Philly defense after a through ball by Marky Delgado. His shot ricocheted off both posts before ending in the back of the net. He was sent behind again just a minute later, only this time he couldn’t convert the 1v1 and his shot went wide, to the surprise of many.
Ken Tribbett equalized in the 24th minute, powering a header past Alex Bono in net. Tranquillo Barnetta served in a great free kick, and Tribbett, who was in space between two defenders, only had to redirect the ball past Bono.
Toronto took the lead again, however, in the 30th minute through Drew Moor. Michael Bradley played a great ball from a set piece (after a questionable call) and Moor was all alone to head past Blake. Questions must be asked about this play. The Union defenders all looked concerned with the near post, and after 3 men missed the fist ball, Moor dove to the ground to head past Blake.
Toronto took a third through Jozy Altidore just before the half. He used terrific strength to hold off Ken Tribbett, before rounding the defender and poking the ball past Blake in net as he was being closed by 3 defenders. Tribbett might be expected to be stronger in this situation, but one also has to wonder why a second defender didn’t close Jozy down before the forward could carry the ball into the box.
At the half Toronto led 3-1. 2 great goals, and one lapse in judgement gave Toronto a big lead. It seemed that the Union had turned things around after equalizing, but things fell apart defensively shortly thereafter. The defense would be disappointed with their performance, and Yaro was subbed on at half to clean things up in the back.
Giovinco almost extended the lead from a free kick in the 55th minute. His curling shot careened into the crossbar and flew over the net. Blake was close, and looked like he had it covered.
Roland Alberg, just moments after subbing on, had a glorious chance to pull one back. He took a touch in space in the Toronto box, but he couldn’t get over his shot, and it flew well over the net and over the seats in the River End. Cj Sapong got the next great chance not long after. He popped the ball over one defender, then tried his shot. Bono was up to the challenge and guessed the right direction, making a great save.
The Union continued to threaten, but not trouble the Toronto goal. Chris Pontius got on the end of a Rosenberry cross, but was unable to keep his header down, as it flew just over the net.
Toronto saw out the game, defending with gusto. The Union failed to create any spark in the waning minutes as the gamed came to a close at 3-1.
Thoughts:
Sapong has been a good target in the early parts of the game, getting in front of TFC players and allowing his teammates to get up the field. As the game went on, however, he seemed to lose more challenges and his effectiveness dropped.
Barnetta and Bedoya seem to be playing side by side ahead of Creavalle in a 3 man midfield. This allows both players more freedom to play to the best of their ability. When Creavalle came off Bedoya was forced to drop deeper, and became less effective. When Edu gets back Bedoya will become much more useful pushing up the field.
Giovinco is too pacey for Tribbett, despite his goal, Yaro would have been a better match up at the start. Curtin did well to make the change in the second half, however.
Bradley has done a great job dealing with Barnetta. The Swiss midfielder has been hassled all night and found it difficult to create anything in the midfield.
