TORONTO, ON – Toronto FC continues their success at BMO Field. They win their fourth-straight game in BMO Field, third-straight in MLS. Chicago struck early with a goal, however, it was Toronto who prevailed at the end, including a positive second-half performance.
Toronto FC continues their success at BMO Field
Three keys to the game
Full Game Summary:#TFCLive was the better team with the better scoring chances.#CFFC had a few chances to score more goals but was unable to capitalize.
Toronto FC played well defensively.#TORvCHI | 3-1 | #MLS
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) October 3, 2021
Toronto FC was the better team
Toronto FC had the better chances in the game and was the better team. This was especially the case in the second half.
44' #TFCLive ties the game! Marky Delgado with a terrific shot puts the ball into the back of the net! Jacob Shaffelburg was credited with the assist. #TORvCHI | 1-1 | #MLS pic.twitter.com/QqDGU9NaiK
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) October 3, 2021
The most important goal though might be the second goal. The game-tying goal by Marko Delgado (also known as Marky Delgado) was skillfully put into the back of the net. It was a neat finish as not all players are going to finish their chances like that. Also, Jacob Shaffelburg continues to impress. His pass, which somehow found Delgado is something that is becoming a trend now.
In the second half, it felt like Toronto took control of the game. This might have been because of Chicago’s lack of presence on defence. Either way, it showed that TFC can score goals, which is something they had trouble with for most of the season.
The goal when Jonathan Osorio found Yeferson Soteldo for the finish was superb team play. Soteldo was the player of the game as he had one goal and one assist in the second half. He played exceptionally well against Chicago and hopefully it is just the beginning of a lot to come from the Venezuelan.
Chicago Fire FC had a few chances to score
The Fire did not have too many chances to get more goals. There were two occasions though where they could have affected the scoreline. These were:
- Gastón Giménez in the 63-minute tried to put the ball into the back of the net. However, TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono got there just in time.
- Robert Berić in the 71-minute gets a header, which is saved at the centre of the box.
- In the 87-minute Berić’s header from the centre of the box was wide and off-target.
Even with these chances the Fire did not have the chances that TFC had. Winning this game for Chicago would have gone against the way of play. Another part of that was Toronto’s defence.
Toronto FC played good defence
16' #CFFC scores! Robert Berić scores as his shot deflects off Michael Bradley and went into the back of the net! Assisted by Fabian Herbers.#TORvCHI | 0-1 | #MLSpic.twitter.com/9LArmfoKeB
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) October 3, 2021
TFC won this game because of their solid defence after giving up the first goal. The first goal was not a good goal to give up as Ifunanyachi Achara gave up the ball. Michael Bradley also was not tight enough on Berić, who scored off a Bradley deflection. Fabian Herbers was credited with the nice assist. Unfortunately, Herbers’ night was finished a few minutes later because of an injury.
However, after that Toronto’s amazing defence helped them win the game. Here are two examples of when Toronto played well defensively.
- Kemar Lawrence made a terrific defensive play to block a Chicago cross into Toronto’s box in the 50-minute.
- In the 83-minute, Auro Jr. made two great defensive play. The first one was stealing the ball from a Chicago player from a dangerous position and then almost immediately blocked a Fire pass.
Toronto looked sharper in this game than they did earlier in the season. Even in an open-ended game in the second half, they were solid at the backline. This is also Toronto’s fourth-straight win at BMO Field.
Toronto FC continues their momentum at the home overview
Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire FC Overview
Toronto won their last four games at BMO Field, which included a 4-0 victory over York United FC in the 2021 Canadian Championship. There are three storylines from this game.
56' #TFCLive scores! Following a corner, Yeferson Soteldo delivers a great cross and Omar Gonzalez with a terrific header to put the ball into the back of the net!#TORvCHI | 2-1 | #MLS pic.twitter.com/c00z2fSHvR
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) October 3, 2021
First, was the production of Jacob Shaffelburg. He has produced at least a goal or an assist in four of his last five games for Toronto. This included a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC. Second, is the chemistry between Omar González and Yeferson Soteldo. The go-ahead goal scored by Gonzalez was once again assisted by Soteldo.
Two of Gonzalez’s three goals were assisted by Soteldo. Lastly, Soteldo scored his first goal in MLS play for the first time since July 24. This was when Toronto defeated the Chicago 3-2 on the road at Soldier Field.
Additionally, it was shown on TSN that TFC legend Sebastian Giovinco was talking with Jozy Altidore at BMO Field. TFC president Bill Manning also said that Giovinco still lives in Toronto, adding speculation that he might one day return to MLS with Toronto.
Both teams seem to be out of the playoff picture. The Chicago Fire has 27 points while TFC has 25 points. However, the Reds have played one less game than Chicago. They are five points clear of winning the dubious Wooden Spoon trophy. The one who wins this trophy means that they have the worst record in the league. That right now is FC Cincinnati, which currently has 20 points.
Upcoming games for both teams
Game is Over:@TorontoFC 3@ChicagoFire 1#TFCLive has won three of their last four games in #MLS. They are also two points behind #CFFC with a game in hand.
— Raheem (@bashirra) October 3, 2021
The international break has now started, so both teams will not be in action for a while. The next game for TFC is on Saturday, October. 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET. It will also be shown on Bally Sports South/Southeast. Then, the game is on Wednesday, October. 20 will be at DRV PNK Stadium against Inter Miami CF. The game will be shown on My33 and CW34. Both games will be televised nationally on TSN.
This is while Chicago will travel to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Revolution at 7:00 p.m. ET. This game will take place on Saturday, October. 16.
They will then travel again to face FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET. This game will take place on Wednesday, October 20. Both games will be shown on MLS Live on DAZN and WGN-TV. The Revs game will be shown on TV38 and MyRITV & COZITV. This is while the Cincinnati game will be shown on Star64.
