TORONTO, ON – Lorenzo Insigne continues to impress for Toronto FC as Toronto FC draws with Nashville SC. Unfortunately, TFC was unable to keep the pressure they had in the game and gave Nashville a window to tie the game and earn a point on the road.
Toronto FC Draws Against Nashville SC at BMO Field
Three Keys to the Game
Full Game Summary:#TFCLive’s Sean Johnson made an error, which led to #EveryoneN’s goal.#TheyWillSeeRed’s Lorenzo Insigne had a fantastic game today.
Toronto FC’s defence played well.#TORvNSH | 1-1 | #MLS
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) June 11, 2023
Lorenzo Insigne Continues His Great Form
Since Insigne came back from injury, he has been on fire, scoring two goals and delivering two assists in this four-game unbeaten run for TFC. His ability to not just score goals, but create for others has been something to note, for example:
- Insigne created the scoring chance with a cross following a corner for Aimé Mabika, whose header was just off-target.
- Insigne’s chemistry with Federico Bernardeschi, just like before, created scoring chances for the team.
38’ #TFCLive’s Lorenzo Insigne continues his impressive form with a fantastic goal! #MajorLeagueSoccer#TORvNSH | 1-0 | #MLS pic.twitter.com/aN6A7II8fp
— Raheem (@bashirra) June 11, 2023
The Insigne goal though was probably the goal of the week. The way the ball curved into the back of the net; shows the class they are getting with Insigne. Yes, there could be a case that Joe Willis could have saved it, but it looked like it was still going to be tough shot for the Nashville goalkeeper to stop.
Toronto FC Played Great Defence
TFC’s defence was solid today. Yes, maybe the defence made some uncharacteristic turnovers in the second half, but they still were able to prevent Nashville from getting good scoring opportunities. Some plays include:
- Kobe Franklin made some big defensive plays during the game.
- The biggest defensive play might have been Mabika, who made a goal-saving play just before the TFC goalkeeper made the mistake.
There were of course some things that Toronto can improve on. It looked like they sat back quite a bit after starting the second half strong. Still, it is something to improve on as TFC’s next game will be on June 21.
Nashville SC Pressured Toronto FC Quite a Bit in the Second Half
As much as TFC’s defence did a solid job, they were sitting back a lot as mentioned before.
- Insigne turned over the ball and Alex Bunbury’s shot hit the post.
- Hany Mukhtar’s shot was just off-target.
69’ A mistake by #TFCLive goalkeeper, Sean Johnson, who mishandled a shot from #EveryoneN’s Randall Leal, and the game is now tied. #NashvilleSC#TORvNSH | 1-1 | #MLS pic.twitter.com/O1PSyiWOhc
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) June 11, 2023
The goal given up by TFC had nothing to do with TFC’s defence. It was an error by the goalkeeper, Sean Johnson, who was unable to stop a shot that went straight to him from Randall Leal. It is unfortunate as Johnson played a big role in games like Atlanta United FC to get a point. However, Johnson should have found a way to stop the shot, as TFC cannot seem to catch a break this season. This is what TFC head coach, Bob Bradley, said about the game and the general season so far (source: Canadian Press of the Toronto Sun)
We’re in a rut,” Toronto FC head coach Bob Bradley said after his team’s third straight draw. “We’re in a rut where when you need a play, when you need maybe luck, something that helps a group feel three points (is there). I thought that (three points) was going to be the case tonight.”
Game Summary
It is important to note that Nashville SC was not sharp in the first half, turning over the ball three times. One of them resulted in a through ball by Federico Bernardeschi, which resulted in Deandre Kerr almost scoring in the 42-minute.
The next few games are going to be tough with the Concacaf Nations League and Concacaf Gold Cup coming up. There have already been some TFC players announced on the CanMNT Concacaf Nations League team for example and expect to also see that for the Concacaf Gold Cup. So, Toronto will be missing players heading into the upcoming games in MLS this year.
TFC will also be travelling on the road as they play against FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium on June 21 and the New England Revolution on June 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. Cincinnati is first in the MLS Eastern Conference and New England is in a playoff position. In addition, TFC has not won a game yet on the road, which is a worrying sign of the season right now. This is while Nashville SC will host the Western Conference-leading St. Louis CITY SC on June 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET at GEODIS Park before going on the road against CF Montreal at Saputo Stadium (Stade Saputo). All games will be shown live on Apple TV.
Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports, of a Lorenzo Insigne Headshot and a Raoul Petretta Headshot, on June 10, 2023.
