HARRISON, NJ. – Toronto FC dropped their third of four MLS games on Decision Day against the New York Red Bulls. They will now look forward to the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs as the second seed of the Eastern Conference.
Toronto FC Loses Three Games in Four to Finish Regular Season
Three keys to the game
The New York Red Bulls took complete control of the first half
The difference for the Red Bulls was the first half. They had eight shots, with six of them on goal in the game. Most of these shots came in the first half. It started in the 23rd minute where Tom Barlow’s shot was stopped. This opportunity came from a Chris Mavinga giveaway and a bad Michael Bradley clearance. The Red Bulls would continue the momentum for the rest of the first half. Barlow got another chance through a corner to score and he made TFC pay. Brian White made a terrific assist in the first goal doing a back heelflip for Barlow.
This corner kick, though… 🥵 pic.twitter.com/pcgvBP3DTQ
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) November 8, 2020
White would get a goal of his own in the 26th minute. A string of passes started with a great cross pass from Sean Davis and was a pretty goal for the Red Bulls. They would not stop there. Dru Yearwood had a good chance in the 26th minute. Barlow would get two more chances to score in the 39th minute and the 44th minute.
Persistence pays off. pic.twitter.com/fcYga1TXyf
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) November 8, 2020
Toronto FC had a bad start to the game
TFC was not sharp in the first half. They had only one shot in the first half, which they were not able to capitalize on. Ayo Akinola missed the net in the 11th minute, however, the biggest moment was the 45th + 2nd minute. Their best chance was in the 45th + 2nd minute where Nick DeLeon almost connected on an Auro Jr. cross pass. However, he was unable to connect with the ball.
TFC also relied on Westberg to make some big saves to keep Toronto in the game. This was where Westberg made a terrific save on Barlow in the 39-minute. TFC was playing on the back foot since giving up the first goal. However, that would change in the second half, when TFC had a chance to tie the game.
The New York Red Bulls played good defence
The Red Bulls blocked five of TFC’s 14 shots. All blocks came in the second half. This was when TFC was firing on all cylinders and Tsubasa Endoh scored a goal for TFC in the 50th minute.
Ready and waiting at the doorstep.@tsubasa_endoh | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/PyH1rcRLv8
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) November 8, 2020
It started with Endoh’s shot in the 55th minute and Michael Bradley’s shot in the 58th minute. Then came Tony Gallacher’s shot in the 62nd minute. However, more crucially the Red Bulls blocked two shots near the end of the game. This was when TFC was attacking and tried to score the equalizer.
Now TFC had some good chances, which included Michael Bradley who almost scored in the 58th minute. However, the blocked shots were the biggest reason why TFC had 14 shots but only had four on target. The Red Bulls deserve credit for the win as they head into the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Overview of Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls
It was a tale of two halves. The Red Bulls played better in the first half while Toronto FC played better in the second half. However, the Red Bulls defence stepped up in the second half, blocking five of TFC’s 14 shots. As a result, the Red Bulls are deserving winners. They avoid the Eastern Conference Play-In Round and finish sixth in the Eastern Conference. They will face Columbus Crew SC in Round One of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
For Toronto FC, the main thing is to get healthy. They now have time to get healthy and get ready for the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Richie Laryea got injured in the first half and was replaced by Gallacher. However, at the same time, Jozy Altidore and Jonathan Osorio have both returned and got some playing time against the Red Bulls. With a completely healthy team, TFC has the ability to win against any team and is the reason why they were winning the Supporters’ Shield race for parts of the 2020 MLS season.
TFC, unlike the Red Bulls, do not know who their Round One opponent is. They will face either the Montreal Impact, New England Revolution, or Nashville SC as their first MLS playoff opponent this year.
BRACKET = SET@Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs coming up! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/prkYibJDec
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 9, 2020
