TORONTO, ON – TFC succeeds with set-pieces in Saturday’s game against Charlotte FC. However, they once again allow a comeback as Charlotte FC dominated the second half. Both defences were not particularly good today, as there was a lot of space being allowed from both teams today.
TFC Succeeds With Set Pieces but Gives up a Two-Goal Lead
Full Game Summary:#TFCLive did well with the set pieces.#TheyWillSeeRed was not able to hold on for the win against #ForTheCrown.
Both teams were not great defensively.#TORvCLT | 2-2 | #MLS
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) April 2, 2023
Toronto FC Succeeds With the Set-Pieces
Toronto FC succeeds with the set-pieces on Saturday night against Charlotte FC. The two most notable set-pieces that led to goals were corners, which included:
6’ A fantastic goal was scored by #TFCLive’s Federico Bernardeschi as the home team took the lead! #MajorLeagueSoccer#TORvCLT | 1-0 | #MLSpic.twitter.com/Rn381gn9yq
— Raheem (@bashirra) April 1, 2023
- Federico Bernardeschi’s cross followed a corner, which found the back of the net.
- Brandon Servania delivered a great cross to Michael Bradley, who headed the ball into the back of the net.
The first goal was Charlotte FC’s goalkeeper mistake. He should have read the play better, but it was still a great corner taken by Bernardeschi. The second goal was scored from a fantastic cross following a corner from Servania, which resulted in Bradley’s goal.
TFC really excelled with the set pieces. There was one time when Toronto had three or four corners in a row and Charlotte can only clear it away for another corner. It was a big reason why TFC was still able to get a point in what ended up being a disappointing draw at BMO Field.
READ MORE: Three Takeaways: Federico Bernardeschi Delivers Toronto FC Win
Toronto FC Allowed Charlotte FC Back Into the Game
TFC really struggled at the end of the game, which is becoming a theme in the season. They have led in five of their six games. Toronto has a record of 1-3-1 after having the lead in the second half. This includes two home game draws, the other one was against the Columbus Crew SC.
70’ Kamil Józwiak ties it #FortheCrown! They have been the better team in the second half as Kerwin Vargas got credited with the assist! #CharlotteFC#TORvCLT | 2-2 | #MLSpic.twitter.com/l3IGIecOF7
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) April 2, 2023
Toronto really needs to improve on closing games out, they almost lost the game late in the game as Charlotte FC was attacking late. It has become a theme all too familiar for TFC fans. To be fair, another reason for their lack of success is familiarity. However, that reasoning can only be used for so long as more games are played this year in MLS. In both goals, they gave up too much space to the opposition. This was especially true for Benjamin Bender’s goal.
Toronto FC’s Defence Was Not Great
Toronto FC’s defence was lacking something in this game. There were too many instances where there were free headers, turnovers, and too much space given to Charlotte. Some examples of this include:
- Nuno Santos almost scored via a turnover in the seventh minute, as a turnover caused as there was confusion between Mark-Anthony Kaye and Jahkelle Marshall-Rutty.
- They gave up an open shot for the goal as Santos’s shot was off-target.
Toronto gave up the ball in the 64-minute and looked mistake-prone all game long. Yes, Matt Hedges made a great defensive play late in the game, but other than that, it was a poor defensive performance.
Other Factors
Charlotte FC’s defence was also not sharp today. The one thing that was noticed was that TFC was able to counter very quickly and more often than not, Charlotte had trouble dealing with it. There were some examples of space being given up including:
- Bradley’s shot from long-range was able to hit the target.
- In the 33-minute, Bernardeschi and Ayo Akinola had shots in the box, but they went straight to the goalkeeper.
“I’m happy about the goal, but I'm a little bit frustrated for the result… we played very good football, we controlled the game in the first half and we are at home, in our stadium. In the second half we have to control the game.”#TORvCLT | #TFCLive
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) April 2, 2023
Toronto and Charlotte both had mediocre starts to the season. Both will feel they will need to pick it up, as there are still many games left to go. For Toronto, despite being unbeaten at home, they only have one win in three games to show for it. If that trend continues, it would likely not be good enough when trying to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.
READ MORE: Federico Bernardeschi: His Influence with Toronto FC
Games Coming Up For Both Teams
TFC will travel to Tennessee to face Nashville SC at Geodis Park on April 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET. They then host Atlanta United FC at home on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
This is while Charlotte travels to face Real Salt Lake at America First Field on April 8 at 9:30 p.m. ET before hosting the Colorado Rapids at the Bank of America Stadium on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports on April 1, 2023, of Federico Bernardeschi’s Headshot.
