D.C. United fell to a shorthanded Toronto FC 2-1 off a stunning pair of Sebastian Giovinco goals. Starting the match strongly, D.C. managed a corner kick goal off the service of Fabian Espindola, with Steve Birnbaum volleying the ball into the net in the 6th minute. The rest of the match, however, D.C. struggled to find the back of the net.
One decision by the referee in the 60th minute to disallow a Kofi Opare goal for offside drew jeers from the crowd, as the replay showed Opare was clearly onside at the time the ball was played. The score would have been 2-1, with D.C. United regaining the lead. In a match where United operated with less-than-ideal possession numbers, United had to be more lethal in the final third and capitalize on all of their chances if they wanted three points.
It’s obvious that Fabian Espindola changes the way this team plays, especially when he can combine with Chris Rolfe. Both players appear to be among the more creative players on the roster and are able to regularly influence games in the team’s favor. Still, the team has issues maintaining possession of the ball whether or not the two are on the field, separately or together.
What’s less clear is the role other players who have returned from recent injury or rest provide to the team. The most important takeaway from this match is Steve Birnbaum’s minutes at left back are proving to be quite fruitful, leading to his first-ever goal in MLS.
But the defense has also fallen victim to errors in judgment that lead to dangerous chances for opposing teams. While the pieces composing the defense remain largely unchanged from 2014, injuries and squad rotation during a particularly busy stretch have taken a huge toll on the team. Ultimately, Sebastian Giovinco is a game changer for Toronto, as he has proven for the past several weeks.
Ben Olsen: “We went into the game trying to limit Giovinco’s influence and that didn’t go so well. He’s a special player. We’re going to come up against very good players in this league, and he’s certainly at the top of that list. On any given day, he can do what he did today. He’s a difference-maker.”
D.C. United surely have an issue playing a full 90 minutes at peak performance, dropping off after the sixth minute goal and allowing Toronto to dictate the terms of the game. From the tenth minute on, United were on their back heel and putting out fires all over the defense.
Ben Olsen: “I’m concerned with the entirety of games at this point, and how we can put together full focus, with quality and energy (and a little chip on our shoulder) for the full game.”
D.C. United will hope to fare better next week against Kaka and Orlando City; Kaka is another player that can influence games, and United are lucky to have beaten them in their first two meetings this season. If Kaka can be contained for a third time, as well as minimizing the ability of Cyle Larin to take shots, United should get back to their winning ways at the Citrus Bowl.
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