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Griffin Yow Ties Games Late Against Toronto FC

Griffin Yow

WASHINGTON D.C. – Griffin Yow was the hero of the game for D.C. United in the teams’ second meeting this year. Like the first game, this game resulted in a draw between Toronto FC and D.C. United. And just like last time United was able to snatch away a win from Toronto FC.

Griffin Yow is the Hero of the Game Against Toronto FC

Three Keys to the Game

Terrific Offence by Toronto FC

Toronto FC like in their previous games continued to score goals. Just before Toronto FC scored their first goal there was a great build-up. They had one or two chances that led to their first goal in the game. The first goal was a D.C. United defensive mistake as they failed to clear a Richie Laryea cross. As a result, Alejandro Pozuelo got to the ball and put it back into the net to tie the game 1-1 in the 17-minute. They would continue the pressure as Jozy Altidore had a chance to score in the 31-minute.

However, their best moments of offence came early in the second half. A big part of that was Marky Delgado who was playing well through most of the second half. He was probably the player of the game for Toronto FC. As a result, Pozuelo had a chance and TFC scored early in the second half. Then in the 60-minute, Piatti’s cross pass inside the United box worked out as Ayo Akinola put a fantastic header back into the net. This made the game 2-1 Toronto FC.

Bad Defence by Toronto FC

The defensive mistakes for Toronto FC were on display today. The first goal came from an Omar Gonzalez giveaway to Ola Kamara. Kamara put the shot past Quentin Westberg to make it 1-0 United. Then, just shortly afterwards, Eriq Zavaleta gave a bad header to Yamil Asad, which hit the crossbar and did not go into the net. TFC was able to take the momentum back and score the first goal of the game to make it 1-1 at half time.

However, late in the game, TFC head coach Greg Vanney subbed out both Eriq Zavaleta and Nick DeLeon from the game for Chris Mavinga and Laurent Ciman. For some reason, the substitutes were not able to close the game for Toronto FC.

There was a mix-up between Mavinga, Westberg, and Omar Gonzalez in the 88-minute. Gonzalez could not handle his header as the ball went to Griffin Yow, who scored his first-ever goal for D.C. United in MLS. Erik Sorga then almost scored with a pass from Yow. Westberg made a terrific save, but this will become a bigger problem when Toronto FC plays better and tougher opponents.

Both Teams Did Not Take Advantage of their Chances

Toronto FC had 16 shots but only had five shots on target. Similarly, D.C. United had 14 shots but only four of them found the target. This shows that both teams missed the net a lot in the game. On TFC’s side, Ayo Akinola made a good run and passed it to Pozuelo.

However, Pozuelo took an unnecessary touch and ended up shooting the ball off-target. Another chance included Richie Laryea who got past several D.C. United players before passing it to Nick DeLeon, who could only shoot the ball off-target. Then in the 71-minute Ayo Akinola got a cross pass from Pablo Piatti. However, his shot was too straight resulting in a big save for United goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

For D.C. United in the 25-minute Gelmin Rivas was unable to hit the net against Westberg. Then United had a good free-kick cross that was made from Julian Gressel. However, Kamara could not capitalize as his header went above the net in the 61-minute.

Toronto FC’s shots and shots on goal looked more dangerous than D.C. United. However, in the end, both teams get a point each to start MLS Phase Two.

Overview of the Toronto FC Giving Up Late Goal to Griffin Yow

Toronto FC will once again feel they let points get away from them. They have given up 14 goals in the 2020 MLS season, including six in the last 15 minutes of the game. This is not a recipe for success for Toronto FC as they will face tougher opponents. TFC will face New York City FC on August 23 and Trillium Cup rivals Columbus Crew SC on August 27.

They are now five points behind Supporters’ Shield leaders Columbus Crew SC. TFC is tied for second with Orlando City SC. However, TFC is placed third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings because Orlando City SC has a better goal differential than Toronto FC.

For D.C. United, they are in desperate need of points. They are tied with Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC with 11 points. However, United has a worse goal differential, which is a big reason why they are second-last in the Eastern Conference. They are one point behind FC Cincinnati, who carries the 10 and last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

They will face expansion side Nashville SC on August 23 and then the New England Revolution on August 27.

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