TFC does not learn from mistakes and pays the price again in the MLS

In this latest round of MLS action, Toronto FC tried to reinforce all the weaknesses shown in the previous match. Herdman’s team demonstrated much better organization and managed the game well against Nashville.

Before the match, neither team was a clear favorite as both were not in their best form heading into this MLS match. Toronto FC, in particular, was coming off a tough loss on June 15.

Returning to a familiar lineup under Herdman, TFC took the field with its best players, including its two Italian stars, to face Nashville at BMO Field.

The start of the match showed obvious improvement, with the team showing solid organization in their usual 3-5-2 system, maintaining good possession of the ball. However, all the effort from the first half would be wasted in the second.

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In the first half, at minute 28, Toronto FC was awarded a penalty after a foul on Federico Bernardeschi. The Italian stepped up to shoot, but slipped before hitting the ball, sending it over the crossbar and missing a crucial opportunity to open the scoring. However, he redeemed himself a few minutes later by assisting Alonso Coello, who scored in the 33rd minute to make it 1-0.

Luka Gavran had a quiet first half, as Nashville’s attacks posed no real threat, thanks to the high-level commitment of each player to effectively close space and cover positions.

In the second half it seemed that the team would maintain and even expand its lead, but lost control of the game due to poor organization with the ball, allowing Nashville to take control.

Nashville’s return was unexpected but highlighted Toronto FC’s current problems: being disastrous in defense and unable to close out games. In the 65th minute, Sam Surridge equalized, and with Nashville dominating until the end, Surridge scored again in the 90th minute to secure the 2-1 victory.

The match ended in defeat for Toronto FC, losing three valuable points in this MLS season. Herdman now has an additional concern: Even with its two stars on the field, the team cannot score or look better offensively than its opponents. Furthermore, his defense is failing and the three-man defense is not giving positive results.

Toronto FC won’t have much time to rest when they visit New York RB on June 22 for Matchday 22 of the MLS. Herdman has a lot of work ahead of him to prevent the team from continuing his bad streak.