In the second instalment of the Video Room, we will be breaking down the windy conditions in Philadelphia and how those gusts contributed to Justin Morrow’s go-ahead goal. 

The Situation
Both teams battled the elements throughout the match on Saturday afternoon. Winds in Chester, Pa. topped out at 63km/h during the match. Toronto FC played into the wind during the first half and long balls were blown off target or came up short of their intended destination on multiple occasions. With the teams changing ends for the second half, the Reds played with the wind at their backs and they took full advantage of the switch on the second goal.

The Play
In the 71st minute forward Tosaint Ricketts was fouled by Union defender Oguchi Onyewu while both were attempting to head down a ball in the midfield.
Michael Bradley quickly sent a long ball over the top toward a streaking Morrow, who had timed his run perfectly.

The ball met Morrow in the box and he took the first touch off his chest. Then on his second touch he sent a low, driven shot past a diving Andre Blake.

A pass like Bradley’s was very unlikely to occur if it was attempted in the first half. Having the wind behind them for the second half helped the Reds dictate the game with more authority for the final 45 minutes.
What they said
Greg Vanney: “[The wind] definitely played its part, especially in the first half. Sometimes when we wanted to relieve a little bit of pressure or we had opportunities to play behind their back line and use a little bit of our pace behind their back line, the ball would just get knocked down.”
Justin Morrow on the weather conditions: “It was cold today. The wind was the worst part.”