The Reds are back on track thanks to an offensive outburst on Friday. The Video Room looks back at the build-up to the opener that got TFC started.
The Situation
Despite some good looks early on, the match remained scoreless past the midway point of the first half. With the visiting Chicago Fire pushing forward, the Reds went to work, turning defence into offence to bag the opening goal of the night in the 28th minute.
The Play
As Chicago drove towards the TFC area, captain Michael Bradley slipped into his defensive midfield role to cut out the interior pass and jump start the attack the other way. Bradley then plays the ball into space down the wing for Marky Delgado as he pushes the tempo the other way.
The Reds then go to work, moving the ball from side to side as they put Chicago on their heels. The ball eventually ends up with Raheem Edwards on the left wing as he looks for an opening.
TFC once again moves the ball from touch-line to touch-line as it swings from Edwards to Sebastian Giovinco then back to the right wing with Steven Beitashour. Fire goalkeeper Jorge Bava manages to punch clear the initial cross in…
But the Reds were able to recover the second ball and make Chicago pay. Resetting the play, Delgado starts the goalscoring move by choosing the incisive pass inside to Victor Vazquez rather than once again opting for the wide option via Beitashour on the wing. It proved to be the correct move as Vazquez found Giovinco at the top of the area. And in three touches, the Atomic Ant had Toronto on the board.
via GIPHY
What They Said
Michael Bradley: “I thought by and large things were under control; we feel good about that. The first two games at home we had some good moments, but we couldn’t find a way to unlock the game and come away with three points. But tonight, we played in a good, strong way that left no doubt as to who was going to win.”
