Tag: Philadelphia Union

TORONTO FC (2) – PHILADELPHIA UNION (2) POST GAME SUMMARY

SCORING SUMMARY

PHI – Alejandro Bedoya 1’ (Dániel Gazdag, Kai Wagner)

TOR – Jozy Altidore 66’ (Noble Okello)

TOR – Jack Elliott 70’ (own goal)

PHI – Sérgio Santos 77’ (Kai Wagner)

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

TOR – Chris Mavinga 57’ (caution)

PHI – José Martínez 87’ (caution)

RECORDS (W-L-D)

Toronto FC                    6-17-9              27 points

Philadelphia Union         13-8-11             50 points

LINEUPS

TORONTO FC – Quentin Westberg; Auro Jr., Michael Bradley (C), Chris Mavinga (Justin Morrow 83’), Kemar Lawrence; Mark Delgado, Noble Okello, Jonathan Osorio (Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 65’); Alejandro Pozuelo, Jacob Shaffelburg (Jayden Nelson 83’), Jozy Altidore

Substitutes Not Used: Alex Bono, Eriq Zavaleta, Julian Dunn, Nick DeLeon, Patrick Mullins, Jordan Perruzza

PHILADELPHIA UNION – Matt Freese; Olivier Mbaizo, Jakob Glesnes, Jack Elliott, Kai Wagner; José Martínez, Alejandro Bedoya (C) (Jesús Bueno 86’), Leon Flach (Jack McGlynn 73’); Dániel Gazdag (Sérgio Santos 58’), Jamiro Monteiro, Kacper Przybyłko

Substitutes Not Used: Joe Bendik, Stuart Findlay, Nathan Harriel, Anthony Fontana, Paxten Aaronson, Quinn Sullivan

MEDIA NOTES

• Michael Bradley made his 250^th appearance for Toronto FC in all competitions.
• Noble Okello registered his first assist for Toronto FC.
• Jozy Altidore has scored in back-to-back MLS games for the first time since scoring against Houston Dynamo on July 20, 2019 and FC Cincinnati on July 27, 2019.

JAVIER PÉREZ – HEAD COACH, TORONTO FC

Q. It seemed like we were going to be writing a story about a comeback win tonight, but the team kind of shot itself in the foot with another bad goal. What do you take away from that performance? Seems like a lot of good effort was wasted.

As you know, Neil, I like to focus on the positives. I think it’s a good game. First half we took control. Forget the first 30 seconds of the game, but we took control of the game. And the second half, we came back with a couple of goals. We have to remember that this is the second — the second team in the East — coming into this game was the second team of the East. So it’s a pretty good team, well organized.

I think we get a bit more comfortable with the 1-2. You can tell that we are not used to having the lead in the games because we kind of put the foot off the pedal a little bit. And then obviously when Santos came into action, we took more risk because they play with Przybyłko and Santos on top. And we have our two center backs, and it was more difficult for us. Right?

But I think — I think I’m happy with the performance of the team tonight. And I think we showed today that we have to be that team that was in the playoffs. It’s not in the odds, it’s not in the cards for us this year for us. But the quality is there. And I think we deserved more tonight, we deserved more for the season.

Q. Obviously, you’re somewhat vindicated by starting Jozy tonight — sorry, starting him for the first time from his comeback. Aside from the goal, what else did you see from Jozy? How would you evaluate his performance tonight?

Jozy comes — you have to remember, he comes a long way. I think the last time he played 90 minutes it was in March 2020, more than a year and a half ago. So the fact he completed 90 minutes, he scored a goal. He kind of created as well the opportunity for the second because I think if the deflection don’t happen, he’s there to finish the play as well. That transforms the team. I think we have Number 9, our reference out front, that not only can scores goal but as well be the reference when we press.

I think I highly value as well the effort, how he dictates the direction of the team, whether we have to press. So I think he brings a lot of positives into the team. So I think today, for him, it’s a big milestone because he’s 90 minutes. And we want to see more of him. It’s two games in a row of scoring. So I just can only encourage him and keep putting him on the field so he can do what he does best.

Q. You said you want — even though you guys are out of the playoffs, you said you want your team to finish the season strong with a good effort every night. Are you pretty satisfied that the team is doing that for you?

I am. I think it’s not easy when you don’t have a clear objective like is in our case to come tonight and put the performance that we put together.

And I think the team fought. The team took the control of the game. I think we were a bit upside. We tied 2-2. Yes. It’s true, we didn’t win the game, but I think the effort is there and the mental concentration is during the 90 minutes, taking aside the first 30 seconds of the game.

I think it’s there. And I think the team wants more this season. They know this season is not over. They know that we cannot just show for one games in the semifinals, that we have to keep going, we have to keep displaying good performances. And, again, I’m satisfied with what I saw tonight.

Q. You touched on this a little bit, but earlier this week, you were saying one of the difficulties the team has had is the lack of a real goal threat up top. And with the return of Jozy and getting draws in these two games, is having a certified threat at the top of the formation the sort of thing that turns losses into draws and draws into wins?

Yes. I think you are right. I think I have to acknowledge that if we have control of the game we don’t create as many threats as we should. I think sometimes we have 20 players around the ball or too many players on other parts of the field and not enough players inside the box. And that’s something we obviously have to work on and we have to modify.

That’s obviously my responsibility. And I think we are trying to adjust to that. I think we need to find — we have more players that they feel more comfortable with the ball. But at the same time, we need to find who is going to attack the space and who is going to get inside the box when the ball is wide. And that, I think, is going to help us to capitalize the opportunities.

But we have to remember that where we create more chances is when the ball is wide. When we made the crosses I think with Jahkeele, with Jacob on the left, we created a lot of chances. With Jahkeele on the right when he come on, we created some more. And then it’s a question of who is going to be inside to materialize or capitalize these opportunities.

Q. Two questions, if I may. First, if Richie Lareya had been able to play tonight, would you have played Kemar at center back?

I cannot answer that question because I didn’t have Richie, obviously. So I can only answer questions with facts and situations that I have in front of me. And unfortunately — Richie is one of the best players in the team, and unfortunately he was ineligible tonight. And we have to find a solution.

So would he be playing? Yes. So that’s the short answer. Who would be playing in the center back position? I don’t even question — or I don’t even ask myself that question because I didn’t have the opportunity to have Richie tonight.

Q. Fair enough. And I understand you want to focus on the positives. But both Philadelphia goals tonight were scored by players who were left unmarked. How can a team succeed when that happens?

You’re absolutely right. I think you answered the question yourself. I think both plays, they are similar in a way. There is a third one that he hit the crossbar and it’s very similar. So that’s a mistake. And that’s something we’ve been penalized for, and that’s why we have today a draw and not a win.

Q. Javier, that was Michael Bradley’s 250th appearance for this club tonight. That’s a big milestone for any player. I know we’ve talked about Michael’s contributions a lot over the years, but I wonder if you could speak about what that means and what it means in world soccer when a player reaches a milestone with a club like this?

I mean, I don’t have objectives for Michael. I think I spoke long and enough about him, his commitment, his dedication, his leadership with the club. Even 250 games is not even enough for him because he’s — everything that he has contributed not only in this club but, I mean, in everywhere where he has been. I can only say positive things about him.

As you know, we worked together for the past ten years on and off, and I know him very well. And at this point, I think he’s embracing his role as a captain. He’s embracing the leadership. And I think it’s an example for all of us. So I think I said there a lot of compliments for him, and they are all well deserved. So congratulations to Michael. Hopefully he can stay with us another 250 games.

NOBLE OKELLO – MIDFIELDER, TORONTO FC

Q. On the weekend, your team had a tie that seemed like a win. Does this tie kind of seem like a loss given the late goal?

I mean, I feel like in the game, we were the better team. We controlled most of the possession in the game. Yeah. I think we had an unlucky end, but I think it was still a good performance from us.

Q. Congratulations on the assist. Can you walk us through that play a little bit? What did you see on it? And how does it feel to get your first point in the league?

Yeah. I just got a call from Mike to step on the play because there was a guy in front of me. And I just read the pass, and I tried to intercept it, and it worked out. And it landed to Jozy’s feet. So I’m happy to get my first assist for our club.

Q. How much confidence are you gaining after every performance like this? I mean, you played three straight. You started three straight games, and your teammates have praised the way you played. Are you gaining confidence with every game out there?

Yes. I’m getting confidence. I’m trying to improve every game that I get called by the coach. And, yes, I’m just trying to get better every day. So I’m happy that my teammates are believing in me, and it helps me on the field.

Q. Michael played his — or appeared in his 250th game for the club tonight. Can you just touch on what it’s been like to work with him or at times under him?

Yeah. Michael is such a leader for us not only on the field but off the field, especially with us young players. I feel he’s helped me grow a lot, especially this year playing a little bit more, but, yeah, just a good leader for me, and I’m happy to keep playing with him now.

Q. Noble, you know, that’s two games in a row where Jozy Altidore has scored, and it’s two games where you guys got results, perhaps not the ones that you wanted. But can you speak a little bit about how much of a difference it’s made having him back on the team? There was a moment late where Jahkeele had a bit of a chance from wide, and we saw a shot of Jozy sort of, you know, applauding him on. What does that do for you young guys to have a guy like that at your backs?

Yeah. Jozy is another player that helps us young guys on and off the field. I feel like he’s a player that’s welcomed each and every one of us from the minute we joined this team. And, yeah, he continues to keep pushing us to succeed. I’m just happy he’s in the club helping us every day. So not only is he a legend in the club, but he’s also a very good person, so we’re thankful for him.

-TORONTO FOOTBALL CLUB-

PHILADELPHIA UNION (5) – TORONTO FC (0) POST MATCH SUMMARY

SCORING SUMMARY

PHI – Sergio Santos 27’ (Kai Wagner)

PHI – Mark McKenzie 33’ (Kacper Przybylko, Jamiro Monteiro)

PHI – Jamiro Monteiro 56’ (Kacper Przybylko)

PHI – Sergio Santos 63’ (Kai Wagner)

PHI – Sergio Santos 68’ (Brenden Aaronson)

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

PHI – Jamiro Monteiro 9’ (caution)

TFC – Auro 10’ (caution)

PHI – Andre Blake 64’ (caution)

TFC – Patrick Mullins 73’ (caution)

RECORDS

TORONTO FC:                         12-3-5   41 PTS.

PHILADELPHIA UNION:            12-3-5   41 PTS.

MEDIA NOTES

• Ralph Priso and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty both made their Toronto FC and MLS debuts in tonight’s match, both coming on as substitutes
• Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty becomes the youngest player in club history to play for Toronto FC

LINE-UPS

TORONTO FC – Quentin Westberg; Richie Laryea, Omar Gonzalez, Laurent Ciman, Auro (Justin Morrow HT’); Michael Bradley (C), Marky Delgado (Liam Fraser HT’), Nick DeLeon (Ralph Priso 64’); Tsubasa Endoh, Alejandro Pozuelo (Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 72’), Erickson Gallardo (Patrick Mullins 35’)

Substitutes Not Used: Kevin Silva, Tony Gallacher, Jayden Nelson, Jacob Shaffelburg

PHILADELPHIA – Andre Blake; Raymon Gaddis, Jakob Glesnes, Mark McKenzie, Kai Wagner; Jose Martinez (Jack Elliott 74’), Alejandro Bedoya (C) (Ilsinho 82’), Jamiro Monteiro, Brenden Aaronson (Anthony Fontana 82’); Kacper Przybylko (Cory Burke 69’), Sergio Santos (Andrew Wooten 69’)

Substitutes Not Used: Joe Bendik, Aurelien Collin, Olivier Mbaizo, Cole Turner

GREG VANNEY – HEAD COACH, TORONTO FC

You’re missing some big names and playing a good team but tough one tonight, what went wrong, is this the kind of performance that you have words with your team?

“What went wrong, it was wrong from start to finish. We weren’t close to them the entire night really. We weren’t in good spots for each other, we weren’t clear in terms of the stepping out in how we were going to defend, we couldn’t put passes together and they were just at a different speed then we were that’s for sure. So, part of it is we need to put it behind us but part of it is we need to recognize and just a reminder at this time of the year you physically got to be out ready to compete and battle, fight for balls and win tackles and all of those things first and foremost and then you can play, you got to be strong when you’re holding up the ball, the ball has to move a lot quicker, a lot of that stuff has to happen and tonight it didn’t. Yeah we’re missing some guys but guys had the opportunity to step in and try to show that this time of year they might be able to help us and again from start to finish it was never right and we were too far away from them for much of the night, they had way too much time on the ball. If there were duals, we lost most of them so that’s something that has to be cleaned up. So, 100% we will discuss this, but we also have to put it behind us because we got a game in another few days.”

Thoughts on Ralph and Jahkeele’s debuts…

“I wish it was in a game that was closer but in the end their opportunity came, and I thought they came on and did fine. By the time they came on in the game there wasn’t a lot left in it. I thought Jahkeele was spry, he had himself a great opportunity, the best one that we had all game, I thought he was busy and active. I think, Ralph came on and was able to get the game under him a little bit and help us to win a couple balls and help us move the ball forward a little bit. So, it was nice for those guys to just get a feel for it all. It’s unfortunate it was on a night like tonight where a lot of other things weren’t going well but I’m at least happy for them to at least get a sniff.”

Not often we see three substitutions before the second half, can you walk us through those changes?

“With the way the game was going in the first half I just felt like we needed an outlet on some level. We weren’t able to combine through them, we weren’t moving quick enough, the ball wasn’t moving quick enough for us to play through their pressure. We needed an outlet at some point so we got Pat on to try and give us at least something that if we had to play a little more direct we could compete a little bit better to hold things up or knock things down so that was the Pat scenario. Then the two at half-time were Marky, we needed to get off just to check on him, he was getting a little tight there and we needed really for precaution as well as concern we had to get him off of the field. Justin in for Auro, more to get Justin ready and moving forward, put a left footed player on that side so he could drive forward a little bit more to get us out of pressure if we needed to, nothing more than that, to get some guys going. Justin who hasn’t played in a few weeks and also to try to protect Marky a little bit, hopefully whatever he’s feeling is not anything for us to be too concerned about.”

MICHAEL BRADLEY – MIDFIELDER, TORONTO FC

How easy is it to put a performance like that behind you?

“Anybody who has played or has been a part of football understands that unfortunately there are night’s like this. They’re not fun, there’s no excuses but unfortunately, it’s just part of it sometimes. We have a really good team and we’ve had a really good team over the past handful of years and we’ve been fortunate enough and good enough to make sure that night’s like this are as few and far between as possible but the reality is still that it can happen to anybody. The reality is very simple, we are going to make sure that we use it as a real reminder for us as we go into this last part of the season and into the playoffs of what games this time of year are like of the way that some of these different teams try to make the game hard on us, we’re going to use it as a reminder about what our mentality and just commitment and focus has to be like at the beginning of games and so were going to use it in all the right ways and at the same time we’re going to get back to Hartford and we’re going to wake up in the morning and in all the right ways we’re going to completely move on and get ourselves ready for Wednesday.”

How difficult is it to see through the 90 minutes when it seems like at every step, every turn something is going wrong?

“That part of it is real. The challenge of still finishing out a game when you’ve had a night like that, when you get into the middle of the second half and now there’s no chance to win, to still find the right way to finish the game, that part is not fun but it’s just something that everybody has to deal with. To answer the first part of your question, like I said we’re going to look at certain things, we’re going to talk about certain things, we’re going to make sure we use it as a reminder, as a recalibration of what we need to be about as we move into these last few games of the regular season and into the playoffs. But again, there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves, and nobody’s panicking, I promise you that.”

Debuts for Ralph and Jahkeele, what did you see from them tonight and what have you seen from them in training in terms of their development and being ready for this stage…

“Let’s be honest, that’s far and away the best part of the night is that two young Toronto boys from our academy who’ve worked hard to sign first team contracts and now push themselves in this last stretch in training every single day. They both get the opportunity to make their debut, to get on the field and both of them showed that they are not going to be fazed one bit. Certainly, for all us on the inside of the group and hopefully for everybody connected to the club, the coaches in the academy that they’ve had along the way, their parents, their families, that should be a really proud moment.”

-TORONTO FOOTBALL CLUB-