MLS Toronto FC

Toronto FC (2) - FC Cincinnati (1) Post Game Summary

Published on July 27, 2019 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


TORONTO FC (2) - FC CINCINNATI (1) POST GAME SUMMARY

SCORING SUMMARY

TFC - Nick DeLeon 16' (Omar González, Alejandro Pozuelo)

TFC - Jozy Altidore 50' (Nick DeLeon)

CIN - Emmanuel Ledesma 58' (Allan Cruz)

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

CIN - Mathieu Deplagne 43' (caution)

CIN - Allan Cruz 57' (caution)

CIN - Kendall Watson 62' (caution)

CIN - Víctor Ulloa 87' (caution)

TFC - Drew Moor 90'+4' (caution)

RECORDS

Toronto FC 9-9-5 32 points.

FC Cincinnati 5-16-2 17 points.

LINEUPS

TORONTO FC - Quentin Westberg; Richie Laryea, Omar González, Drew Moor, Justin Morrow; Michael Bradley (C), Nick DeLeon, Marky Delgado (Jonathan Osorio 75'), Alejandro Pozuelo, Jacob Shaffelburg (Chris Mavinga 81'); Jozy Altidore (Patrick Mullins 86').

Substitutes Not Used: Alex Bono, Auro Jr, Ashtone Morgan, Tsubasa Endoh

FC CINCINNATI - Przemyslaw Tyton; Mathieu Deplagne, Kendall Watson (C), Maikel van der Werff, Justin Hoyte; Caleb Stanko, Allan Cruz; Roland Lamah (Kekuta Manneh72'), Víctor Ulloa, Emmanuel Ledesma; Rashaw Dally (Darren Mattocks 56').

Substitutes Not Used: Leonardo Bertone, Jimmy Hague, Thomas McCabe, Logan Gdula, Nick Hagglund

MEDIA NOTES:

Jozy Altidore has scored in four consecutive MLS regular season games for the second time this season and the third time in his career.

Of Jozy Altidore's 61 MLS goals (regular season and playoffs) with Toronto FC 38 were scored at BMO Field.

GREG VANNEY, HEAD COACH - TORONTO FC

Greg how did that one play out for you?

That was a very dominating first half, we moved the ball well and created a lot of good moments. We should've taken more out of the first half, if we would've finished at least one or two others in the first half then I think we obviously would've positioned ourselves in a better place into the second half. We had the sense that going into the second half they were going to try to increase some of their pressure because in the first half it was just too easy for us to get attacks going into their half of the field. They did that in the second half and started to man mark Michael which is unusual because they then pushed two guys high, switched on us and were too slow in regard to movement with each other, movement ahead of the ball. But also, we were too stretched apart and didn't rotate around the way we talked about quick enough, so we lost the ball we were so far apart in transitions that they were able to attack between us. We had to sort that out. We stayed resilient in the half, incredible goal by Jozy off a counter attack. Something we do in training.

In the first half, a lot of the passes in play were from your team controlling the ball, what did you think of their decision making at the end of that?

Yeah, that's where we think we went a little bit sideways and should've probably either scored more or really threatened the goal more. I think a couple of times we were in behind them, we took shots instead of cutting the ball against the face of the goal because I know Jozy has been working really hard to hit the back post and get something tapped in or we get behind them on a trailing run. We never want to hit a shot and miss to the near post because you never give anyone a chance to try to help that ball into the back of the net. I thought our choices were ok, but then our execution of the pass wasn't great so again we got ourselves into some really good positions but we needed to execute better because if we did maybe we would've picked up one or two more goals in that half, making it a much bigger up hill climb for them.

One player that did shoot a lot tonight was Jacob Shaffelburg, do you think you look at that as a player rushing or just a young player hungry for a goal at this point?

A little bit of both I think with his pace and direct running as a result have always set him. He plays for the space in front of him and he doesn't play with the game at his feet all the time. It gives us a different dimension, it gives us some aggressive and fast. He's part of reason we are able to get into those positions because of the way he runs. Again, I think a part of his maturity is that he will go back and picture again what was happening in the moment all so fast and do something different than what was actually there. We will continue to work with him and final up those decisions if he's going to get that first shot, he at least needs to hit the target. I think he has to go to the back post, because Jozy is there in case, he misses it and it gives Jozy a chance to deflect it in. Half the battle is getting there, and the other half will be for him to continue getting better at that final piece. I thought he was very good on tonight.

DREW MOOR, DEFENDER - TORONTO FC

After six games out, played the full 90 tonight, how did it feel?

Felt good, physically it felt good.

Most important the three points tonight, wasn't easy in the second half, how did it all play out for you?

We made it difficult for ourselves. Obviously getting the second goal early in the second half was nice but they stepped the pressure up and we didn't break them down as well as we would have liked. Probably needed to move the ball quicker and get guys in better spots. With some of the other results tonight three points is key.

How was it to play with Omar (Gonzalez) for the first time?

Good. He's very good and he communicates a lot and organizes well and he's a unit. He wins everything in the air. Physically he's very good. Just communicates so well, is good on the ball. I'm very, very happy he's here.

With you and Omar going forward maybe there's more of a threat on corner kicks and set pieces?

Not only is he going to win his fair share, but it will free up some space for some other guys like myself, Jozy (Altidore), Nick DeLeon. He's such a threat and good defensively on set pieces as well. He's a big signing for us.

QUENTIN WESTBERG, GOALKEEPER - TORONTO FC

Big three points tonight, how did it all play out for you?

Yeah, happy with the three points. Really happy with the first half and scoring the second goal. We could have done a little better managing the end of the game. All in all we like the positivity. It's good that we won.

Is there a little bit of frustration that you conceded one?

Yeah, of course. I speak for myself, as soon as I take a goal I'm frustrated. So, it's way easier to be frustrated while winning, so that's fine, you know because that's what really matters at the end of the day. At least we know we have something to look for and work for.

You had both Drew (Moor) and Omar (Gonzalez) in front of you, what was that like playing with that combination?

It's fine, you know, playing with whomever. We're all part of the same team, we defend the same crest and as long as our energy and positivity are high up there, no worries, it was good.

You didn't get much action in the first half and more in the second. Is it difficult when you don't see a shot attempt until the 37th minute?

I like that you underline it because you know we said walking into the locker room at half time. This is not an easy game for defence because we do so well that we don't have anything to do in crucial areas of the food, but we need to keep our focus really, really high. Obviously, it dropped a little bit in the second half. Not enough for us to lose or to get a tie so that's what is really positive about it but it's a thing to always try getting better.

YOANN DAMET, INTERIM HEAD COACH - FC CINCINNATI

Yoann, your general thoughts on the game tonight?

I'm very proud of the team, we showed very strong tonight. First half was very balanced, and I think we did a good job defending, the shape was good, the planning was respected too, and it was difficult for them to create opportunities and we were strong defending in the box. The second half we came back stronger on the front foot, trying to create opportunities, I think we played more in the box, taking some shots. It was difficult for them but unfortunately, they got the second goal in transition and we came back at 2-1 and kept pushing. A bit disappointing for the group because I think we deserved more.

What was your message at halftime?

The message at halftime was we were in the game, we are in the game and we have to keep pushing. I was pleased with the first half. I think the shape was great, the mentality was great, we were closing down plays, so we were aggressive. We just needed a bit more understanding of the spaces and a bit more movement to play more positional to get in the final goal.

Yoann, is this a good example of how the team has grown since you took over tonight?

I don't know if it's an example of how the team is growing, I think it's a good example of what the team is capable of. The team is capable of great things like tonight. We created problems for Toronto. Playing on the road is never easy especially Toronto is a tough place to play so playing with the character that we showed tonight is a big satisfaction.

MAIKEL van der WERFF, DEFENDER - FC CINCINNATI

How did it feel to make your MLS debut?

Double feelings of course. I'm happy I made my debut in MLS, but I think we deserved more, especially in the second half we deserved a draw. That feeling is most hurting me today.

How comfortable were you playing next to Kendal and the group surrounding you considering you've only been around them for a week?

All the guys here have helped me a lot to get acquainted and they're friendly, kind to me. Also in the training and in the game we speak a lot, I speak a lot, I think that's good so we can help each other during the game.

Did you anticipate the match to be as physical as it was?

Yah of course. It was my first game and as you know my season ended a couple weeks ago and I had to come a long way, but I feel good. My fitness, my body and my muscles they feel good. Of course, it was a tough game, but I think it will be tough every game.

DARREN MATTOCKS, FORWARD - FC CINCINNATI

At halftime were you thinking that you were still in the game and can get some points tonight?

Most definitely I think when I came on we tried to put a lot of pressure on them but I think the keeper was good and we were unable to make it back. I think that halftime was the turning point of the game but that's got to be the mentality of each and every game. From the first whistle we have to go out hard and I think we did that in the second half.

You had 10 shots in the second half, does that give you a sense of what you can do?

That's surprising, but that's good. I think that comes down to us pushing and not letting them play out of the back. Players are good enough in this league when you give them time and space in the back, they can find their passes but if we give them tough time they're always going to go long for the most part and we can win possession. The final 25 minutes of this game we have to think of playing like that for the rest of the season. I'm telling you that if we play like that we can try to get into the playoffs.

How different is this team today from when Yoann took over?

The belief, the belief is there, and I think there's a sense of urgency for the most part and players are willing to fight for each other. Not like it wasn't there at the start of the season, but I think the personalities are coming out more in the team. That's natural as it's a new team and it's going to take time to develop with whoever is in charge but definitely you can see since Yoann came in there's a big morale change.

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