TORONTO FC (2) – NEW YORK CITY FC (1) POST GAME SUMMARY
Toronto FC advances to the MLS Eastern Conference Final
SCORING SUMMARY
TOR – Alejandro Pozuelo 47’
NYC – Ismael Tajouri-Shradi 69’ (Maximiliano Moralez)
TOR – Alejandro Pozuelo 90’ (PK)
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
TOR – Laurent Ciman 21’ (caution)
NYC – Alexandru Mitrita 30’ (caution)
TOR – Michael Bradley 77’ (caution)
LINEUPS
TORONTO FC – Quentin Westberg; Auro Jr., Laurent Ciman, Chris Mavinga, Justin Morrow (Richie Laryea 78’); Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley (C); Alejandro Pozuelo, Marky Delgado, Tsubasa Endoh (Nick DeLeon 65’); Nicolas Benezet (Patrick Mullins 70’)
Substitutes Not Used: Alex Bono, Drew Moor, Omar Gonzalez, Erickson Gallardo
Substitutes Not Used: Brad Stuver, Sebastien Ibeagha, Ben Sweat, Gary Mackay-Steven, Tony Rocha, James Sands
GREG VANNEY, HEAD COACH – TORONTO FC
Thoughts on tonight’s performance…
“It was outstanding. We have a lot of respect for them [NYCFC] as a team. We came in the first half we wanted to eliminate any time they had on the ball and we put a lot into the first half. It’s a small field, we were pressing them, we were making it difficult, we were winning balls, we were attacking again. The only thing that didn’t come out of the first half was a lead. In every other aspect I felt that we just dominated it. Second half started out okay and then they rotated into a diamond, so our matchups started to get a little mixed. It took us a few minutes and we end up giving up a goal to really get that reorganized but I think just before we brought Richie [Laryea] in I think it settled down again. The guys just battled through the moments that weren’t perfect but they also, I thought, they really dominated in the first half and they’re performance. The mentality is really strong with this team, the work rate is really strong, the quality is there, they believe in themselves, and anything is possible when all those things are put together.”
On Alejandro Pozuelo rising to the occasion in tonight’s match…
“He’s had what four PK’s against them [NYCFC] this year? I guess at this point, Sean Johnson has seen a lot of him, with him [Pozuelo] going to that side that Sean [Johnson] went to when he dove twice, he had one save last game. I think that set him up to go down the middle, it’s late in the game, it’s tough for him to stand in the goal. It’s a gutsy play by Poz but he was great on the night. He held up the ball for us, he brought people into the play, he moved around, he fought for things, he helped lead us defensively, he was great.”
On NYCFC’s formation change that caused the play to tilt…
“It was part of it because they [NYCFC] pushed up a second forward. When they pushed up the second forward, it changed our rotation to step out to them defensively. Then we ended up in between, they brought up [Ronald] Matarrita inside, they went to a diamond. So, our matchups weren’t as clean as they were earlier in the game and they were able to find these little pockets of time on us, and they were just running guys through our back line and playing pretty direct. But the directness came from the fact that they had time
MICHAEL BRADLEY, MIDFIELFDER – TORONTO FC
Thoughts on the match…
“The mentality to understand what the game was going to be about. To just go for it. To lay everything we had on the field. That part was incredible. We were on top of the game in every way. Aside from a play or two they could barely get in our hand. It’s a shame we didn’t have something to show for it in the first half. We got a good start to the second half. We get the goal. On one hand, disappointing to drop and let them get back into the game. It’s also the makeup of the playoffs. When it is single elimination, at that point they got 35 minutes left in their season. There is no measured approach at that point in the game. I think we could have done a little bit better on goal. We have played on as many big days in the last few years as any team in this league and we have guys who understand what these games are about, and it showed.”
On building momentum towards the Eastern Conference Finals…
“We talked for the last two or three months about this idea that as the games get bigger, we got to continue to improve, we have to continue to be ready. I think we have done that. We continue to understand that with every game the stakes go up. The competition, the intensity goes up and that can’t take us by surprise. The mentality of the team to come here and play the best team in the league (LAFC aside). That part is special. When you can win games like this, the experience only serves to build the confidence.”
On who he prefers to face next…
“They are both good teams (Atlanta and Philadelphia). Let’s see how that game plays out. It’s the playoffs. Every game is going to be difficult. Every game is going to take a big effort. Game changes depending on who you play. We look forward to it.”
ALEJANDRO POZUELO, MIDFIELDER – TORONTO FC
Thoughts on the match…
“We know before the game we had big test. They try to play good football. I think we had very good options in the first half to set up. Their goalkeeper did good. In the second half it was more difficult because they tried to push more. But we know we needed to wait a little bit. Thank God because we won the game.”
On the penalty kick…
“The keeper knows how I shoot because it is my fourth penalty (against Sean Johnson). Before when I try to shoot a penalty, I try to shoot in the middle. In the 87th minute he cannot stay in the middle. We won 2-1. Very good result. We are very happy.”
On scoring the first goal…
“It was a mistake for the defense. The defender tried to play to the keeper, and we tried to press and finally we scored.”
-TORONTO FOOTBALL CLUB-
The view from left field 