The year’s first edition of the “Video Room” is here. This series will break down a play from the previous match and give you a closer look at the critical moments that made it happen. On the opening edition, we will be taking a closer look at the play that led up to Sebastian Giovinco drawing a penalty from Real Salt Lake keeper Nick Rimando.
The Situation
Just thirty minutes into the season and both teams had come close to opening the scoring. Toronto’s best chance came in 19th minute when a splendid ball from Giovinco sent Altidore into space, the American forward fired a long effort towards the far post but it rolled just wide. Real Salt Lake was applying pressure to the Reds backline and earned a corner after an adept clearance by Eriq Zavaleta in the 28th minute.
Albert Rusnak swung in a right-footed out-swinger into the box, Zavaleta was able to get his head on the delivery and clear the ball to start the counter. Tony Beltran over committed on Giovinco, who turned at the top of the Red’s box and played a long through ball for Jozy Altidore to run onto.
At the halfway line, Altidore played a short ball to Armando Cooper who made a lovely play to send the ball back towards Altidore. Altidore then sent the ball through to a streaking Cooper, who had broken free due to an over-commitment by defender Chris Wingert.
Cooper then flicks a one-touch ball for Giovinco to run on to. Giovinco finds himself wide open; eventually, making his way into the box where an onrushing Rimando meets him. Rimando just clips Giovinco’s right foot, sending the Italian to the ground. Referee Allen Chapman deemed it a foul and awarded the Reds a penalty kick.
Beltran: “It is not Nick’s fault to give up the penalty kick because there are numerous mistakes in the play.”
