After beating a lowly Colorado Rapids team when many expected Toronto FC to falter, Toronto were facing another league’s minnow in Chicago Fire. Based on last week’s result, expectations were that Toronto had this one figured out.
It wasn’t the case, as the Chicago Fire forced Toronto to come back twice in order to take three points. Toronto eventually won the game 3-2, but it was a tight battle and the men in red were not sharp off the bat.
Gilberto soars, Altidore frustrated but Toronto FC win
Toronto FC started the game lethargic and lacked inspiration. Forty seconds in, ex-designated Toronto FC player Gilberto forced a brutal turnover in middle of the pitch from Jozy Altidore. After forcing the turnover, Gilberto bolted for the box to receive a pass and finish near post. Toronto failed to threaten the Fire at all for the rest of the half, even though they retained over 60% of possession. The Fire were compact defensively and dangerous on the counter. David Accam’s speed and skill was a constant threat the entire half while Gilberto was active all game.
Altidore, the man who arguably replaced Gilberto in the Toronto FC roster in the off-season, was mostly invisible. He failed to retain or hold possession, create or finish chances, and make any sort of impact for much of the game. Looking frustrated and devoid of hope, Altidore worked hard to gain any look at net.
While the entire team failed to match the intensity required in the game, Sebastian Giovinco brought everything to the table from the starting whistle. The star attacker and probable league MVP was an inspiration. He was chasing balls, winning battles, and creating chances singlehandedly. Giovinco fought off Fire 6’3 defender Daneil Cyrus, forcing him to concede a corner, not once, but twice. The second corner resulted in Jonathan Osorio’s goal, which then tied the game at 1-1. Giovinco’s corner rebounded back to him, which he chipped over the goalkeeper and into the net from a tight angle. The goal was thought to be Giovinco’s record breaking 20th goal, to make him the first player in league history to have 20 goals and 10 assists in a single MLS season. However, Osorio was adjudged to have made contact with the ball before it went in.
Eventually, Michael Bradley and Benoit Cheyrou formed an admirable midfield partnership that became the spine of the team. Cheyrou had the most touches on the field with 99, while Bradley was a close second with 92. Cheyrou completed 92 passes.
Toronto suffered another breakdown when defender Damien Perquis was caught out of position, allowing Gilberto to break in and score on a breakaway. Down 2-1, Bradley drew three defenders on a commanding run, only to wrong foot them and finish past goalkeeper Jon Busch. The goal was assisted by Giovinco, breaking the record for most points (goals & assists) in a single season by a player in MLS history.
Altidore had been struggling the entire game, but got his break in the 80th minute when he bundled in Giovinco’s corner. The frustrated forward put the 22,513 fans at BMO Field into pandemonium. He saved the day for the Toronto team, which was risking being just three points in front of the red-line. With many fans indicating they would have preferred Gilberto over Altidore earlier this season, it was inevitable that comparisons would be made if Altidore was unable to make an impact against the Fire. Gilberto’s two goals were unable to win Chicago the game, while Altidore’s game winning goal helped silence his critics.
Post-game, head coach Greg Vanney praised his player’s dedication to sticking to the plan and not getting over anxious when they went down early in the game. After spending most of the season experimenting with starting line-ups and players, Vanney revealed that he prefers the formation his team is currently playing going forward. Reading between the lines, there was a general sense that Vanney feels this is his strongest line-up. Midfielder Osorio also reiterated his coach’s words, “We found a formation now that we want to stick to, that flows really good with the players that we have.”
Toronto FC are out of action until next Saturday, where they take on the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field. The team will look to clinch a playoff spot as early as next weekend.
