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Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls draw

TORONTO –

Another draw for Toronto FC and two more injuries. More empty seat bags at BMO Field.

But in that context, there were positives in the 0-0 draw with the New York Red Bulls.

Toronto and the Red Bulls have gone head-to-head in an essentially MLS war of attrition with the two teams now both going 2-4-7 in the basement of the Eastern Conference, missing a total of more than 20 players. due to injury, suspension or international duty.

With both sides employing makeshift defences, there were scoring opportunities at the start of the game – most of them swerving as each team only managed two shots on target. However, the Red Bulls’ defense remained resilient as Toronto pressed on in the final minutes.

TFC went on a three-match unbeaten streak with a draw. But it still won only one of its last 10 matches (1-4-5) in all competitions.

“It’s football. Teams go through times like this,” said full-back Richie Laryea, who made an outstanding emergency appearance at centre-back. “We have a good team. We are missing a lot of people. We have young players who don’t have a lot of experience.

“Everyone’s developing right now so that’s good. I think it’s better to go through periods like this now than (in) the summer or the end of the season.”

Toronto’s midfield injury crisis was exacerbated by the unexpected absence of Mark-Anthony Kaye, a midfielder who spent time supporting the backline during last weekend’s 0-2 loss. in Montreal because of the absence of number one central defender Matt. Hedges and Sigurd Rosted plus backup Shane O’Neill.

Toronto coach Bob Bradley said Kaye had to deal with hip flexion.

The two teams go into the match just three points away from the playoffs despite their record. However, TFC’s recent woes seem to be reflected in the stands, with plenty of empty seats and an reported attendance of 22,560 at BMO Field on Pride Night.

Laryea lined up next to Aime Mabika in the heart of the TFC defence. Toronto has three 20-year-olds in the 11th starting line-up in Kobe Franklin, Deandre Kerr and Kosi Thompson and their six-man bench – including TFC II loanee Anthony Couric – is of average age. average is 22.

Worse still, Kerr was forced off the field in the 40th minute after a second header.

The Red Bulls are also without a first-choice central defender duo due to suspension.

Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi led the TFC.

Bernardeschi had a great opportunity in the 29th minute, after a great combination with Insigne after a swing in New York, but his shot was saved by defender John Tolkin. Soon after, Toronto forward CJ Sapong’s header from Insigne’s corner went wide of target.

Red Bulls keeper Carlos Coronel made a brilliant save to save Insigne’s treacherous header in the 79th minute after Bernardeschi’s perfect pass sent his countryman wide off the post.

Italians also sometimes make the mistake of trying too hard, with some diversions.

Bradley, whose name drew some boos when it was announced in the squad before kick-off, is considering a lengthy game against the Italians.

He said: “When a team is going through a tough time, you are trying to keep everyone going – not just mentally but so that when the games go their way, they become sharp. sharp. “Yes, there have been days lately where you can say they are frustrated. And we are trying to help them understand the league, understand the moment.

“Neither of those guys have been in a situation where when you have some injuries you dig into our squad like you have to do in the MLS. That’s new for them. And in some of them. moment, you can see their disappointment faces. But overall, I think it’s better tonight.”

The Red Bulls are absent Sean Nealis, Andres Reyes and Cristian Casseres Jr. suspended (accumulating yellow cards), while Daniel Edelman was absent with the United States team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

Belgium international winger Dante Vanzeir, one of the Red Bulls’ designated players, is serving a six-match ban for racial abuse during an April 8 game against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Red Bulls’ injury list includes defenders Matt Nocita and Kyle Duncan, midfielders Frankie Amaya, Luquinhas, Lewis Morgan and Steven Serwadda, and forward Serge Ngoma.

Toronto is also missing midfielders Michael Bradley, Alonso Coello, Jonathan Osorio, Victor Vazquez and striker Jordan Perruzza. Toronto midfielder Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty has been suspended after being sent off on Saturday.

The Red Bulls, which host CF Montreal on Saturday, are unbeaten in their last eight (5-0-3) against Toronto.

TFC plays at Austin FC on Saturday.



This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 17, 2023



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