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Toronto FC winless streak continues in a 2-0 loss to Chicago

Toronto FC extends winless streak to four games: Toronto FC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye on July 13, 2022

CHICAGO, IL – The Toronto FC winless streak continues. They did not start off the game well and gave up two goals in the first half. TFC played better in the second half but was not able to score on the road against the Fire. As a result, Toronto’s winless streak was extended to four games while Chicago ended their two-game losing streak.

The Toronto FC winless streak extends to four games

Three keys to the game

First half

The flag goes up in the eighth minute. Chicago Fire commits another offside in the ninth minute of play. Xherdan Shaqiri played it to Jhon Durán. Quentin Westberg then made a terrific save, but it was called offside in the ninth minute. By now, TFC should have gotten the warning signs that Chicago was getting chances to score. Unfortunately, the first goal was created because of a turnover committed by Chris Mavinga. Durán took the ball off him with the assistance of Chris Mueller. Durán then ran with the ball and with composure, got the ball from the TFC goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

While the first goal was created from a TFC defensive mistake, the second goal was created from sheer brilliance. Brian Gutiérrez delivered a terrific cross from his heel to Jhon Durán. Durán then was all alone with TFC goalkeeper Westberg and he put the ball into the back of the net. Chris Mavinga made a great defensive play in the 28-minute of play.

Jesús Jiménez’s shot in the eighteenth minute missed the net, with Deandre Kerr delivering the great pass. Durán’s shot was stopped by Westberg and Lukas MacNaughton was caught offside in the 40-minute. Mark-Anthony Kaye’s shot was superbly stopped by the Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina. Durán’s shot missed the target in the 43-minute.

Second half

Kosi Thompson made a great defensive play from a Mueller’s cross in the 50-minute. The ball was cleared away by Mark-Anthony Kaye. Durán’s header was easily saved by Westberg. Durán cleared the ball in the 57-minute. Durán’s shot went straight in the 59-minute. Domenico Criscito’s shot was stopped by the Chicago Fire FC goalkeeper. Ayo Akinola’s shot also missed the target. Kacper Przybylko got the shot off, but it was off-target.

Game Analysis:

TFC’s defence has been an Achilles heel for them all season. Chris Mavinga had trouble dealing with Jhon Durán, who scored two goals. TSN commentator, Steven Caldwell, said that the defenders were too isolated and they were not doing a good job of helping each other. They gave up five shots on goal in the first half. They did better defensively in the second half, including Thompson making a great clearance in the 50-minute.

However, this habit of giving an early goal so early in the game is not sustainable. They are second-last in MLS and only a point ahead of DC United. Also, the team from Washington, D.C. has played two fewer games than Toronto.

Credit to Chicago though for taking advantage of TFC’s weaknesses. They are now above Toronto with 20 points earned so far in the MLS season.

Games coming up for both teams

Toronto will now travel to Montreal to play at Saputo Stadium. The Canadian Classique rivalry will be renewed on July 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised live in Quebec on TVA Sports. They will then host expansion club, Charlotte FC, at BMO Field on July 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be shown live on WAXN and Telemundo. Both games will also be televised nationally live on TSN.

Chicago Fire FC will also play on July 16, this time at 8:00 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. The game will be shown live on MLS Live on DAZN, Fox 13+, and Prime Video. They will then travel to Canada on July 23 at BC Place. The game will be at 10:00 p.m. ET. This game will be televised in Canada nationally on TSN. Also, both Chicago games will be shown live on WGN-TV.

CF Montreal will look to get revenge over Toronto FC after losing 4-0 in the Canadian Championship semi-finals round. That game was at BMO Field, while the one this upcoming Saturday will take place at Saputo Stadium.

Three takeaways as Toronto FC winless streak extends to four games

Toronto FC winless streak extends to four games. TFC are winless in their last four and have also lost three games in their last four games. This is not what Toronto wanted, especially with two of those three games being at home. The lost opportunity to win against the San Jose Earthquakes at home has really hurt them.

Chicago Fire FC’s Jhon Durán and Gabriel Slonina stepped up. Durán was excellent against Toronto, especially in the first half. His pace was too much for Toronto’s Chris Mavinga, and as a result, scored two goals in the first half. His speed also forced MacNaughton to get a yellow card in the game. Also, Gabriel Slonina made two big saves, including one against Mark-Anthony Kaye.

Mark-Anthony Kaye made his Toronto FC debut. Kaye came into the team in a 2-0 loss against the Chicago Fire FC. It is still early to tell how well he fits in with TFC. However, Bob Bradley (his coach from LAFC) and being in his hometown should help Kaye.

Photo Credit: Toronto FC on July 13, 2022.

 

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