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Three Takeaways: Federico Bernardeschi Delivers Toronto FC Win

MLS: Inter Miami CF at Toronto FC as Federico Bernardeschi Shoots the Ball on March 18, 2023

TORONTO, ON – Federico Bernardeschi delivered for Toronto FC as they earn their first win of the 2023 MLS season. It was also the most dominant game TFC played as the defence was compact and well-organized. It is also important to note though the performance of Bernardeschi and the Canadian MLS players.

Federico Bernardeschi Was the Player of the Game at BMO Field

Three Keys to the Game

Federico Bernardeschi is Toronto FC’s Best Player

This is not just how well Bernardeschi played in this game, but also his performance in previous games. His ability to get out of tough spaces and his run into the opposing end of the field shows how valuable he is to Toronto. Some examples include:

  • His cross-pass to Jonathan Osorio for a scoring chance to begin the game.
  • His fantastic cross to Mark-Anthony Kaye, who headed the ball into the back of the net.

Bernardeschi is a special player, and with Lorenzo Insigne injured, TFC will rely more on him for scoring opportunities. His biggest asset is his ability to set players up for scoring chances, and he did that twice today against Inter Miami CF.

The Canadians MLS Players Stepped Up

Both goals were scored by Canadians. Looking specifically at the first goal. Richie Laryea made a fantastic run, resulting in Bernardeschi giving him the ball. Laryea then was able to see Osorio, who opened the scoring in the 48-minute. There were also other examples of this including:

  • Richie Laryea got past a Miami defender and got a great shot stopped.
  • Osorio tried to find the ball in his feet, but his shot in the 31-minute went off-target.

The thing about Laryea is that his speed is something else. His ability to deke past players creates scoring opportunities for Toronto. His ability also drew a foul in TFC’s favour in the game.

Toronto FC’s Defence and Goalkeeping Helped Them Win the Game

TFC would not have remained tied after the end of the first half if it was not for their defence and goalkeeping. This was especially true early on in the game.

  • TFC made some great defensive plays early in the game. They stole the ball from Miami in key defensive areas where a scoring chance could have been created.
  • Sigurd Rosted made a great defensive play late in the game.

Additionally, Sean Johnson was not as busy as he was with other games. However, his diving save in the ninth-minute was a key one. A clean sheet was the result and Johnson deserved it.

Other Factors: Toronto FC Hold on To A Lead

This was probably something that happened because of some of the factors above, especially the defence. However, this is the first game where they did not blow a lead. In the previous four games, they had leads and blew all of them. They lost one of those games and drew the other three. This also makes up for the disappointing draw against their Trillium Cup Rivals, Columbus Crew SC. and their heartbreaking loss to D.C. United.

Inter Miami CF did not have a great game tonight as they lost back-to-back games. Still, there were some bright spots including goalkeeper Drake Callender, who made some impressive saves to keep his team in it in the first half.

Games Coming Up For Both Teams

READ MORE: 2023 Toronto FC Season: Cautious Optimism

Toronto FC finishes March on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes at 10:30 p.m. ET on March 25. They then host Charlotte FC at BMO Field on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET. This is while Inter Miami CF hosts the Chicago Fire FC at DRV PNK Stadium on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET before travelling to face FC Cincinnati on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

All games will be shown live on Apple TV.

 

Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports on March 18, 2023, of Federico Bernardeschi and Nicolás Stefanelli’s Headshot.

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