FT: Toronto FC 0-0 Chicago Fire – Game thread, preview, how to watch
Live Thread
FT – Final score 0-0.
90+4′ – TFC on the counter-attack as Insigne makes an excellent run down the left, but is unable to find anyone in the box to put away his cross.
90+1′ – Five minutes of stoppage time!
90′ CHICAGO SUBSTITUTION – Young international Jairo Torres comes in for midfielder Maren Haile-Selassie.
85′ TORONTO SUBSTITUTION – Federico Bernardeschi recieves a thunderous applause as he’s brought out of the match for Hugo Mbongue and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty makes way for Jordan Perruzza.
82′ – Insigne has his shot blocked by Alonso Aceves who is knocked down and the ref stops the play so Aceves can receive treatment.
80′ – Truth.
79′ – Federico Bernardeschi on a counter-attack is unable to create anything.
76′ CHICAGO SUBSTITUTION – Alonso Aceves and Fabian Herbers come in to the game for Gastón Giménez and Miguel Navarro.
64′ CHICAGO SUBSTITUTION – The dangerous Kacper Przybyłko comes in for Kei Kamara who appeared to be handled most of the evening by the Toronto defence.
60′ TORONTO SUBSTITUTION – Brandon Servania and C.J. Sapong come into the game for Kosi Thompson and Deandre Kerr.
59′ – TFC lacking creativity in the midfield. Laryea runs with the ball inside before laying it off to Insigne who then crosses it into the box with no one on the end.
53′ – Marshall-Rutty is denied yet again by Richey thanks to an excellent build-up from Bernardeschi.
46′ CHICAGO SUBSITUTION – Gastón Giménez comes in for forward Georgios Koutsias.
HT – Halftime thoughts: who will score first? Let us know in the comments!
45+4′ YELLOW CARD – Mark-Anthony Kaye picks up TFC’s first caution after a challenge on a Chicago player.
44′ – Spencer Richey gives it away in his own half and Marshall-Rutty’s shot on net is swiped away by the Fire goalkeeper.
43′ – Kosi Thompson manages to find some space thanks to a through ball and whips it into the box to find Kerr, but is unable to find the back of the net.
35′ – Bernardeschi’s free kick is passed back to Insigne who is picked apart by Fire attackers who quickly find themselves on the counter-attack.
34′ – Richie Laryea earns himself a free kick just outside the box.
30′ CHICAGO SUBSTITUTION – Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady leaves the game with an open wound after a collision with Deandre Kerr in front of the net. Spencer Richey will be Fire’s new goalkeeper.
24′ – Kosi Thompson’s header from a Jahkeele-Marshall Rutty pass is kept out by Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady who takes a knock from a collision with Deandre Kerr.
23′ – With an excellent run down the right and a swift cut in to dodge a Fire defender, Federico Bernardeschi takes a shot but is unable to find the back of the net.
11′ – Down at the other end, Lorenzo Insigne takes a shot on net and misses just wide of the goal.
10′ – Richie Laryea brings down Georgios Koutsias just outside the box. Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick is aimed perfectly for the back post to find Kendall Burks who heads it wide.
1′ – We are underway at BMO Field!
7:30 pm ET – A roar of boos ring out from the fans as Bob Bradley’s name is introduced over the speakers.
7:25 pm ET – Igniting the field for a blazing encounter with Chicago Fire.
7:10 pm ET – Both Toronto FC and Chicago Fire come into this one not having drawn in each of the last four matches. We could be in for a goal fest tonight with both Lorenzo Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri in superb form. And TFC will try and keep Fire leading goalscorer Kai Kamara off the scoresheet.
6:45 pm ET – After a “coach’s decision” left Federico Bernardeshi out of the matchday squad over the weekend, Toronto FC’s designated player earns himself a start a long with Deandre Kerr starting up top.
6:30 pm ET – Toronto FC welcome Chicago Fire at BMO Field for the first time since May 2022. The two sides played twice last year with each team splitting wins in their respective home venues. Don’t forget to get your predictions in!
Starting XI’s
TORONTO FC:
Sigurd Rosted and Brandon Servania return from injury and both feature on the bench and Federico Bernardeschi returns to the squad after Bob Bradley left his designated player out of Saturday’s match due to a “coach’s decision.” All eyes will be on captain Lorenzo Insigne and he looks to build on his impressive form from Saturday.
CHICAGO FIRE:
Defender Rafael Czichos captains the squad with goal-scoring threat Kei Kamara leading the frontline. One to keep an eye on his Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri who will be looking to continue his form this evening.
Match Preview via Adam Palemro
Well, last week was fun, wasn’t it?
A last-minute loss in Austin, a disheartening postgame plea from star man Federico Bernardeschi, a player-coach feud between he and Bob Bradley, and a jaw-dropping report on the dressing room drama all occurred in the span of seven days.
Toronto FC then followed it up by getting the better of D.C. United at home, surprising plenty in the process.
With a quick turnaround, the Reds will look to make the most out of a rare positive momentum boost as they look for back-to-back wins at BMO Field against the visiting Chicago Fire on Wednesday evening.
Back in the mix for the midweek contest will be Bernardeschi, who missed out on Saturday’s 2-1 victory due to a coaching decision. Lorenzo Insigne stepped up in his absence, assisting both Deandre Kerr and Kosi Thompson in what was one of his best performances in a red (onyx?) shirt since joining the club last summer. With pressure mounting on he and Bernardeschi in recent weeks, fans will expect to see the very best from the two Designated Players against a leaky Chicago defence.
Brandon Servania has also been deemed good to go for the upcoming fixture after avoiding serious injury in the last match. The American international was pulled twenty minutes into the D.C. United match, being replaced by Thompson, the eventual match-winner.
After an early-season injury crisis, suddenly Michael Bradley and Jonathan Osorio are the only two surefire starters who are on the shelf. There can’t be any more excuses made for the Reds, who are trying to get back into playoff contention. It is crucial that the most recent win isn’t an outlier in the midst of a poor run of form. Wins, even unconvincing ones, will help deafen much of the noise surrounding a club that always seems to be entangled with some sort of drama.
The visiting Fire are equal with TFC on 16 points, having played one less match than the Reds. Interim bench boss Frank Klopas has overseen just one win since taking over the leading role from the now-departed Ezra Hendrickson. Since that 1-0 victory over St. Louis, Chicago lost to Charlotte and then managed back-to-back 3-3 draws with Atlanta United and New England.
Toronto hold a strong recent record against the club that Bob Bradley led to an MLS Cup in 1998, but the Fire torched the Reds in their last meeting, a 2-0 win at Soldier Field back in July 2022.
Can this next encounter be a step in the right direction for Toronto? Or will it be a case of one step forward, two steps back?
Game Notes
- Toronto FC have lost just once in their last 15 meetings with the Chicago Fire (11-1-3)
- Only Federico Higuain (12) has scored more goals against Toronto FC than Fire striker Kei Kamara (11)
Match Details
Opponent: Chicago Fire
Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET
Watch: MLS Season Pass
Stadium: BMO Field, Toronto, Ont.
I wonder if Rosted and Servania still aren’t 100% or if Bob is just rewarding Thompson and Mabika for their good play. I would have definitely returned Thompson to the bench if Servania is ready to go.
I’m glad to see Kerr getting a chance between the stars in place of Sapong. CJ and Akinola have both been dreadful thus far.
TFC! TFC!
What surprises me a little bit is Franklin over Patretta still. Kobe has looked good but I still think Patretta is better overall.
Interesting twitter post by Oliver Platt:
w/ Insigne & Bernardeschi both on the pitch they have combined for 0 goals and 0 assists. TFC averaging 0.4 goals/90mins.
Just Insigne: 2.1g/90
Just Berna: 1.2g/90
Hope the keeper is alright but how does Thompson miss that header that’s a terrible header for a pro from there
It was an interesting play. The 2 defenders went to Fede so JMR was wide open to deliver the cross. That’s the kind of thing you hope to see more often with both stars on the field.
Yeah – anywhere else but dead centre and that’s a goal.
We’re getting some good looks at goal. Just need to get it in!
Really disappointing not to be leading at the half with that many point-blank chances.
Two bad misses alot of bad passes, having said that outside of 3 or 4 players this Chicago team is bad the game is there for the taking and we are at home this needs to be 3 points. I still don’t understand why we just won’t move away from the 4 3 3 we just aren’t connecting well enough as it seems the space between players is too far. Anyhow we shall see what the 2nd half brings when legs start getting tired.
MAK and Insigne are still way too turnover-prone. All the promising attacks come down the right side with Richie and Berna.
Kosi has looked good moving the ball; too bad he missed that gimme.
Kerr has been involved and had that nice GK steal.
JMR, Kobe, Hedges, Mabika, Johnson have been ok.
JMR had the nice steal to set up Insigne. Overall looking not too bad. Nice to see some offensive creativity.
Nice to see Sevania well enough to play again.
Chicago’s goalie kit is wild, the dude looks like a starburst lol
Another awful game so far. This Chicago team is not good, should be a routine 3 pts at home for any serious team.
I don’t think we’ve played poorly. Just haven’t finished. And there’s still time.
But I agree that a draw or a loss here is a miserable result.
First half was decent. Some good chances but second half hasn’t been good.
Alright Bob, what’s plan B? What is the tactical adjustment that gives TFC that cutting edge to get the win? Insigne in the #10? A midfield of four? A midfield of five with a back three? What is it?
There isn’t a plan A mate it’s just shite
This is horrible, CPL at best level game can we somehow get a goal and steal a point and win the battle of old burnt-out horrendous coaches.
yeah… Bob’s tactical twist was “Put in TFCII!”
It’s a miracle that JMR lasted as long as he did. Imo he was the worst of that midfield three. I would have hooked him off early and changed formation or even have put Petretta there instead.
He was awful today, but he wasn’t the only one…hey smart bob u disgrace how is that 4 3 3 working out ? Does bob know that 2 or 3 yard passes are allowed ? For him not adjust when seeing it wasn’t working is like a broken record. I hope the Italians call him out again. And keep calling him out over and over and over again.
I thought Kosi was good first half. Kaye got worse as the game went on. Petretta looks decent on the ball and decent at passing, I would have given him a chance. These last couple of games, I thought I assumed he was just keeping Petretta benched in case Franklin had to come off, that maybe so but he should have got some minutes tonight.
What’s the use in having one of the most expensive fullbacks in the league if you don’t even play him? And why is this team allergic to getting crosses into the box? Two strikers on the field, 6’6 defender back there. Send them up and whip some crosses in. It’s a desperate move but let’s see some urgency to actually win a game.
Bernardeschi, insigne, and laryea once again the only ones attempting to do something with the ball. Franklin at LB genuinely offers absolutely nothing going forward, better off with Petrasso at LB. Bringing on Peruzza is just accepting the fact there’s no goals coming.
That’s not on Franklin, that’s on the coach. He telling him to cover and not to go forward like Laryea. He does the same thing with Petretta, which tells you it’s not a personnel problem but a tactical decision.
So the plan is to leave Insigne completed isolated and do it all on his own. Bonkers
Lol no shit, it’s crazy.
Didn’t watch. Fire Bradley.
I wish I can unwatch that.
The first half was decent and worth watching. The 2nd half was more of the pathetic nonsense that we’ve seen for the entire month.
2 f.ing hours lost from our lives.
Agree 100%… that you are a TROLL.
Posted in a wrong place.
My post was addressed to TL, lol.
Fire Fede
Agree 100%… that you are a TROLL.
I’ve watched… I’m an idiot for doing so.
Priso’s brother isn’t good enough. Send him back to the B team and then try to get rid of him. No reason to hold onto anyone that doesn’t add to the quality of the team. No reason to hold on these guys who are 19,20,21 and not good enough to even come off the bench in the MLS.
Priso’s brother has been tearing it up at TFC II, so I’m not sure dumping him right now is the answer. We have given him 107 minutes over 7 appearances in MLS. That is not enough time to evaluate whether a player is good or not.
Hugo has some serious jets and can finish. But he needs some consistent minutes to show what he is capable off.
We simply cannot make judgements based on a player averaging 15 minutes/appearance on a team which is disjointed. I would take Hugo over Akinola any time of the day (he’s better defensively and is terrific at pressing and pressuring opponents. I would give him a run of 30 minutes/game coming off the bench in the second half to fill in for our starting striker for at least a half a dozen games to see how he develops.
On aside note how bad were these apple tv commentators I didn’t think I’d ever hear anyone worse than wheels but these guys did it.
Bright side:
-We didn’t give up any really dangerous chances (aside from MAYBE that Kamara off-balance header). Their only shot on goal was an unlucky deflection off a defender.
-I didn’t notice any significant limping from Insigne today
-Bob’s job is back on life support
I wish Bob’s job was on life support but we are talking about MLSE here they just hired the worst possible GM out there today on the hockey side,(I’m not but his Boston pizza daddy is a friend of Larry I know nothing about sports tennnnnen bum don’t under estimate the sports stupidity of the board.)
For the majority of this game, the only significant change from Saturday’s lineup was the inclusion of Fede in the starting line-up. But it was pretty clear to see that the drive, the intensity, and the team spirit was not where it was Saturday.
So it is quite clear now that the other 10 players on the pitch have no interest in giving the same effort with Fede in the lineup as much as they will give without him in the lineup. Heck, not a single player on the bench got up to greet Fede when he was subbed off.
Evidently, Fede must be sold as soon as possible, otherwise the team spirit will suffer and results will be evermore difficult to come by. Good thing BB is not afraid to move players who do not fit in. Hopefully a proper suitor will be found in the summer window. TFC could move him for a small fee and still come out ahead financially.
Here’s what I see, they are trying and moving forward enough to score and take wins. They are struggling to finish, as they have the last year, and that reflects their preparation, not will or skill.
This was a pattern until Fede blew it all up last week and everyone opened their eyes. They refocused and went back to what they did months ago. But the way to get over this “missed opportunities” phase is to keep at it until something clicks, not to stop passing to the guys making runs. Once they do it consecutively and score from different places, getting some wins, it will explode the confidence. But it has to be drilled in practice.
The reason we are seeing this cycle repeat is that Bob continues to force a playing structure that does not make effective use of the DP strengths. He can’t have the same qualities on both wings and only take advantage of part of the skill base at one time. One of the DP’s has to be on the ball earlier in the attack and more central to play. This will multiply options, open space and engage highlight more player skills.
Oliver P publishing stats on Twitter showing the DP’s never contribute to team goals when they play together is heartbreaking. If they can help the team score when playing alone, which they do, why pay the both? Or, hire a coach that can fix that.
They were able to do it last season when they arrived, so what’s going on now? They have less wins now than they did at this point last season.
Here is the answer to your question HH:
“So it is quite clear now that the other 10 players on the pitch have no interest in giving the same effort with Fede in the lineup as much as they will give without him in the lineup”
Fede is the problem.
I agree for the most part I’d go a step further I’d have them both play more central whether it be a 3 5 2 (which might work because laryea tracks back well and rosted is back and now we have 2 decent center backs and a really good one) or a 4 4 2 have the balls played into one of the Italians and run off them this team has pace but we aren’t using it properly to create enough. The main issue is we don’t have a number 9 so this 4 3 3 won’t work till we have one because whether it’s sapong akinola or kerr they just aren’t good enough to have the ball played into them and create chances sapongs first touch is so bad that when the ball is played into him it’s almost always leading to a loss of possession, akinola even worse kerr is the best of the bunch but he isn’t really a number 9 and playing him there consistently won’t get us in the playoffs. The 3 man midfield is leading us to have passes that are too far and it’s also making our midfielders work extra hard when we lose the ball. You can tell this is disjointed
TL trying to take Jack’s record for most downvotes.