Major League Soccer: Toronto FC suffer painful defeat in their return to MLS action
Toronto FC lost three important points against Chicago Fire after a dismal performance on Saturday night at the BMO Field. John Herdman’s men side never got going in a 4-1 defeat.
TFC went into the game without the suspended duo of Federico Bernardeschi and Nicksoen Gomis and had to endure a tough night in front of their fans. Chicago Fire were efficient and capitalized on all the chances to score and deserved the maximum points that now extends their unbeaten run to four matches.
Lorenzo Insigne equalized for TFC three minutes after Maren Haile-Selassie put Chicago Fire ahead in the first half. However, sloppy defending in the second half proved costly and Chicago Fire put them to the sword to score two goals in three minutes from Hugo Cuypers and Mauricio Pineda respectively. Chicago Fire scored another goal in the final minute by Allan Arigoni to add gloss to the score line. Despite having the better possession, TFC could not create chances to score and resorted to moving the ball from side to side without penetration.
TFC are now without a win in four matches. It was also their first home defeat to Chicago Fire in 11 years and have now fallen to 7th place in the Eastern Conference, with 24 points from 18 matches.
Their return from the international break has been disappointing and they are set to miss some key players due to Copa America.
Federico Bernardeschi and Nicksoen Gomis will return after serving suspensions and should galvanize the team to deliver better performances and garner important points in their remaining matches.
“None of the goals were acceptable,” Head coach John Herman told reporters after the game. “This has been a trend. At times, you have to put the ball into row Z. We’re trying to nutmeg players right in their own quarter.”
TFC were outclassed. They were second best for 90 minutes and could have conceded more goals on the night.
Were there any silver linings?
“Not at the moment,” concluded Herdman. “None that come to mind. I’m just angry.”
TFC will return to MLS action when they face Nashville on Wednesday, June 19 at the BMO Field.
