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Jozy Altidore shines in a 2-2 draw at BMO Field

Toronto FC player Jozy Altidore in action at DRV PNK Stadium

TORONTO, ON – Jozy Altidore scored one goal and played a big role in the second goal as both teams got one point each at BMO Field. TFC had trouble breaking through the Union’s defensive line in the first half but was able to find goals in the second half.

Jozy Altidore was the player of the game in a 2-2 draw at BMO Field

Three keys to the game

Jozy Altidore shined for Toronto FC

Jozy Altidore was involved with both goals for TFC. The first goal happened for two reasons. The first one started because Noble Okello blocked a Union clearance. This allowed Altidore to get the ball and put it into the back of the net. It was a fantastic goal as Union goalkeeper Andre Blake had no chance of saving the shot.

The second goal was an own goal scored by Jack Elliott (who played well defensively otherwise). However, when looking at the play carefully, Jacob Shaffelburg’s terrific pass into Philadelphia’s box was a catalyst for his own goal. Furthermore, there was pressure for Elliott to deal with the ball as Altidore was right behind him, ready to put the ball into the back of the net.

Philadelphia Union took advantage of Toronto FC’s defensive mistakes

Both mistakes were made by Toronto FC because players were unmarked. This can be seen with the first goal.

Alejandro Bedoya was unmarked. The captain made no mistake and put the ball into the back of the net. The goal scored by Bedoya was scored in his 150th MLS appearance. It was not all about TFC’s defensive miscues though in that play. Dániel Gazdag was credited with the assist and Istvan Bognar set up the play for the goal.

Kai Wagner then made a terrific cross to an unmarked Sérgio Santos, who put the ball into the back of the net. It was the second time that TFC did not mark their player, which resulted in a goal.

Both teams did not take advantage of their scoring opportunities

When looking at the stats, there is a huge discrepancy between shots and shots on goal. Both teams had 15 shots. However, the Union only had four shots on goal and TFC three. This shows that both teams had chances to score but were unable to convert.

However, of the two teams, Philadelphia had the better scoring opportunities. In addition to TFC not playing well defensively, they did not pass the ball that well. People might look at Toronto having 86 percent passing possession, but a lot of their passes in good positions did not work out. This also includes some passes in the second half, which almost resulted in goals.

This resulted in Kacper Przybylko getting a clear chance to score in the 66-shot. However, his shot was suberbly stopped by Quentin Westberg. Przybyłko’s shot then hit the post in the 81-minute of play. There were also other chances the Union could have converted. This included in the 85-minute when Sergio Santos’ shot from the centre of the box missed.

Toronto also had chances to score. Shaffelburg’s shot in the 37-minute was saved by Union goalkeeper Blake. This is while Shaffelburg’s shot in the 40-minute was close but off-target. Other chances came in the 73-minute when Kemar Lawrence’s shot was off-target and Chris Mavinga’s header from the centre of the box missed to the left.

Jozy Altidore stars for Toronto FC in a 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union

Jozy Altidore played a big part in both goals as TFC tied with the Union. However, the defensive frailties of Toronto continued including giving up the first goal. This has been a pattern with Toronto all year in MLS this year. This included the last game, where they tied 1-1 against Canadian Classique rivals CF Montréal at home.

The problem is that these draws feel like wins for Toronto. That should not be the case at home and something Toronto should look to improve on next year. It also means Toronto’s winless streak was extended to four games with two losses and two draws. For Philadelphia, it was a missed opportunity. Before the game began, they were second in the Eastern Conference. However, after Nashville SC won on the road 6-3 against FC Cincinnati, Nashville is now second in the Eastern Conference. The Union will also have to worry about the New York City FC and Orlando City SC, who are both three points behind the Union. Only the top four teams in the Eastern and Western Conference start their MLS Cup playoff campaign with a home game.

The Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC’s remaining MLS season games

The Union’s remaining MLS games are on Sunday, October. 31 against FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Subaru Park. It will be shown on MLS Live on DAZN, PHL 17, and Star64. They also face New York City FC on Sunday, November. 7 at Yankee Stadium. The game takes place at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on MLS Live on DAZN and YES.

This is while TFC will close their MLS season with two games. The final game on the road against Atlanta United FC will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 6:00 p.m. ET. The game will be televised nationally on TSN4. It will also be shown on Bally Sports South/Southeast. They will then close their season at home against DC United at BMO Field. It will be televised nationally on TSN and also shown on NBCSWA, and TeleXitos at 3:30 p.m. ET.

It is important to note that TFC will play against CPL-side Pacific FC at BMO Field at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be shown live on OneSoccer and Telus for the Canadian Championship semi-final matchup. The game is on Wednesday, November. 3. The winner faces CF Montréal, who just defeated Forge FC yesterday in penalties in the other Canadian Championship semi-finals matchup. Do not expect TFC to bring their best line-up against Atlanta because of the Canadian Championship.

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