Toronto FC failed to capitalize on an injection of energy by way of Federico Bernardeschi returning to Coach Bob Bradley’s starting XI in their 0-0 draw against the Chicago Fire. Coming off of an impressive 2-1 victory where all the focus was off of the pitch for a Toronto FC side engulfed in a flame of drama, the Reds failed to make it two wins from two games at BMO Field before going back on the road.
Before the match even started, Coach Bradley once again was forced to put out a makeshift midfield where Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, a member of The Guardian’s Next Generation 2021, and Kosi Thompson made up a midfield trio with Canada Men’s National Team member Mark-Anthony Kaye. In sixteen matches thus far, Toronto FC has put out FOURTEEN different starting lineups, one indicator that the team has been hit hard by the injury bug.
The re-introduction of Federico Bernardeschi gave Toronto FC more life than the Fire. The first-half chance actually fell to the visitors where a 10th-minute freekick was whipped into Toronto FC’s box by Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri, only to be headed into the side netting by defender Kendall Burks.
The last 35 minutes was one-way traffic where Toronto FC did everything but score. Directly following Chicago’s 10th-minute corner, the ball found itself being passed to their keeper. Midfielder Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty put on a high press and intercepted a short pass intended for Arnaud Souquet. Once intercepted, the ball was played to Lorenzo Insigne who quickly turned around and shot a ball that unfortunately went wide.
The pressure would continue from Toronto as 10 minutes later, Federico Bernardeschi dribbled past two Chicago defenders but followed up with a shot that was saved by Chicago keeper Chris Brady in an impressive manner.
One minute later, Toronto FC was on the forefront again when a cross from Marshall-Rutty found the head of Kosi Thompson whose header was aimed directly at Chris Brady. However, the run of play was halted after the Chicago keeper was met with a knee to the face, which was delivered by Deandre Kerr. After eight minutes, Brady was bandaged and walked off the pitch on his own merit but was replaced by Spencer Richey.
The injury evidently slowed down the first half where Toronto was given one last chance in the 43rd minute after defender Aime Mabika sliced open the Chicago defense with a perfect through ball to Marshall-Rutty who then crossed in a ball that just had too much power on it for a diving Deandre Kerr. Ten shots and 57% possession later and the match was still scoreless at the half.
Chances were more scarce in the second half where the 22,778 in attendance at BMO Field were forced to watch a game where no teams wanted to lose but who also failed to win.
Coach Bradley first mobilized his bench as he brought on C.J Sapong in the 60th minute for DeAndre Kerr who failed to create many chances thus far. Although Sapong enjoyed a 100% pass accuracy, he was only able to pull off two shots, none of which challenged Spencer Richey.
Toronto FC’s best chances in the final half came by way of direct freekicks in the 53rd and 65th minutes. In the first one, Federico Bernardeschi shot was always sailing high and Lorenzo Insigne couldn’t get his shot past the Chicago wall in the latter. Coach Bradley admitted the ineffectiveness of these set pieces as he stated how the team “didn’t get enough out of them , especially against a team who sat so low in the second half.”
A final attempt to get something out of this match took place in the 85th minute where Coach Bradley subbed in both Jordan Perruzza and Hugo Mbongue meaning that there were now three natural strikers on the pitch. However, five minutes was not enough for this attacking contingent as Toronto FC failed to extinguish the Fire and were left with their fourth 0-0 draw of 2023 and eighth draw of the season.
“Tonight’s a night when we had enough chances to win. It’s a frustrating night if you create that many chances, don’t give too much away, and can’t pick up three points,” were the thoughts of Coach Bob Bradley following the match. The fact that TFC couldn’t get the three points added a “factor of frustration” to a locker room who really needs the three points from every match.
While the attack wasn’t anything special, the Toronto faithful was once again treated to a Man of the Match performance by wingback Richie Laryea. When asked how he can always elevate his game, Coach Bradley stated, “he’s a good player and he’s had the mentality where he still tries to compete at the highest level every game, push himself, and set a good standard for others.”
Despite the strong individual performance, Richie Laryea also shared Toronto’s frustration following the match as he stated, “Obviously we got in very good spots and that’s good but we need to be able to finish. A little bit tough but I think at this stage we want to be winning. I think we played well enough, but the performance is good in terms of making chances but we have to put them away.” The Nottingham forest loanee also mentioned how the team's mood is back to normal in a sense where “everyone is going to be disappointed with a situation where we didn’t get the three points at home.”
The Canadian international was also very clear in discussions about his future following the expiration of his load deal. "I'm not looking too far forward right now. I'm just focused on the Minnesota game this weekend and getting three points and once that's crossed over, I'll look to the national team and all that stuff,” Richie said.
Looking forward to Matchday 17, TFC will travel to Minnesota and Allianz Field for the very first time. In three matches against the Loons, Toronto has won twice, both at BMO Field. Looking for a first win on the road in 2023, Toronto FC may be up for a tough challenge as Minnesota United FC star playmaker Emanuel Reynoso will dress for Saturday’s game in St. Paul, after missing nearly half the season due to personal reasons.
Head coach Adrian Heath said a few other players are dealing with fitness issues “and that might affect what happens to Rey, but that will be” decided on Saturday.
Minnesota fell in its last match, 2-1 Wednesday at Austin FC. They generated a season-high 22 shots, but couldn’t break through for the win. They currently sit 7th in the West on 19 points. The Loons have a record of 5 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses.
*All match day photos are credited to Eric Medeiros/Area Sports Network*
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