Hartford, Ct. — Pablo Piatti and his goal for Toronto FC represented one of only a few chances for both teams. Both goalkeepers did not need to make too many difficult saves. However, Toronto is playing better than Atlanta United FC and it showed in the scoresheet.
Pablo Piatti and Richie Laryea the Heroes for Toronto FC
Atlanta United FC Only Had One-Shot on Target
Atlanta looked great as they had six corners compared to Toronto’s two. The Five Stripes also had six shots. However, only one shot was on target. Atlanta’s other five shots were blocked, which showed the skill of Toronto’s defense.
Atlanta’s best chance came in the 68th minute. Erick Torres had a glorious opportunity to give the Five Stripes the second-half lead. Quentin Westberg though was up for the challenge and made the save of the match.
Q doing Q things!! pic.twitter.com/4wTso5TuJx
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) October 19, 2020
There were not too many other chances for Atlanta. They did have four corners in the first nine minutes of the game. Although they were not able to capitalize.
Furthermore, Atlanta was called offside four times throughout the game. This includes the 30th minute, where Jürgen Damm tried to pass it to Jon Gallagher. However, Gallagher was called for being offside.
Good Defense by Toronto FC
Toronto’s defense was good enough for Toronto to earn three points. Yes, the defense was faced with immense pressure giving up four corners in the first nine minutes of play. However, Toronto rebounded and made several blocks on many of Atlanta’s shots. With the notable exception of Torres’ shot, all shots from Atlanta were blocked by Toronto.
The first two came in the 9th minute where Jürgen Damm and Emerson Hyndman both had their shots blocked. More importantly, Toronto was able to block Gallagher’s shot in the 26th minute.
Then Anton Walkes’ shot was also blocked a minute later by the Toronto defense. Both shots were at the centre of the box and could have resulted in Atlanta taking the early 0-1 lead over Toronto.
In the second half, Omar Gonzalez made a terrific tackle. This prevented Atlanta from having a golden scoring opportunity to score in the second half.
62' #TFCLive player Gonzalez makes a terrific tackle and prevents a golden #UniteandConquer chance. #TORvATL | 0-0 | #MLS
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) October 19, 2020
Lastly, Marcelino Moreno’s shot was blocked in the 88th minute. This meant that Atlanta had five of their shots blocked and only had one shot on target.
Toronto FC Had More Chances to Score
Toronto had 11 shots, with six of them hitting the target (two Toronto shots were blocked). They were the better team, especially in the second half. Although, they had chances throughout the game. Alejandro Pozuelo had the first two shots on goal, which were both stopped by Brad Guzan of Atlanta in the 3rd and 8th minute.
Gonzalez then had his header saved in the 40th minute. This was quickly followed by a Pablo Piatti shot which was also saved by Guzan in the 40th minute.
Toronto kept the pressure in the second half. This was thanks to Pozuelo and Patrick Mullins in the 52nd minute, Pozuelo received a pass from Mullins and his shot was close to the net, but missed the top right corner.
Then Mullins, this time receiving the pass from Pozuelo, had his shot stopped. Tsubasa Endoh also had a decent strike in the 61-minute but was unable to hit the shot on target. Lastly, Nick DeLeon’s dangerous cross-pass in Atlanta’s box did not connect with any Toronto players in the 84th minute.
However, Toronto would finally get their goal in the 89th minute. Richie Laryea made a great pass to Pablo Piatti. The header though from Pablo Piatti was fantastic.
As a result, Pablo Piatti scored his fourth goal and Laryea delivered his fourth assist of the 2020 MLS season. Toronto is also in a nine-game unbeaten run, which includes sevens wins in that stretch.
CUE THE MUSIC!!#TORvATL | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/QGqo6smMmV
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) October 19, 2020
Pablo Piatti Plays Big Role in Toronto FC Win Over Atlanta United FC Overview
Jonathan Osorio and His Injury
There is some concern over the injury of Jonathan Osorio. However, the injury seems to be minor according to Toronto head coach Greg Vanney.
Halftime update from head coach Greg Vanney including the latest on Jonathan Osorio#TORvATL | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/ThCjF8scvU
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) October 19, 2020
Osorio left the game as a precaution measure to prevent an injury. Expect Osorio to be ready to play for the next Toronto game. It is important to note though, that a lot of these MLS teams have been playing two-three games a week. As a result, the possibility of players getting more injuries increases.
Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United FC Overview
Toronto was the better team. They blocked more shots than Atlanta and Toronto had more scoring chances than Atlanta. Toronto also remains the points leader in MLS with 41 points.
The Philadelphia Union have the second-most points in MLS with 35 points. However, the Union has a game in hand and will play against the New England Revolution on Monday.
Toronto will face the Union on Saturday. After that, Toronto will face rivals New York City FC on Oct. 28. This is while Atlanta is on the outside looking in for an MLS playoff spot with 19 points. The Five Stripes are currently on a four-game winless streak.
They are a point behind the Chicago Fire FC, who currently has played one less game than Atlanta. The Fire currently holds the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta will look to get back on track as they face against D.C. United on Saturday, before facing Orlando City SC on Oct. 28.
Never in doubt 😉@ricohcanada | #TORvATL | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/90RqZNC3Tr
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) October 19, 2020
