Toronto FC II Can't Buy a Goal against Saint Louis FC

walkingthered.com
July 20, 2015
By Anthony Gallo

TFC II took on Saint Louis FC last night in their third home game at their new Vaughan stadium. TFC II started off strong early on, using some quick passes and strong defensive plays to halt any counter attack Saint Louis offered.

For most of the match, Saint Louis used a physical approach to the game and awarded TFC II free kicks and opportunities on goal. Sadly, the young Reds couldn't get anything going and Saint Louis was able to pounce on mistakes made by the young team.

Edwin Rivas was taken down in the eighth minute of the game just outside the box, which set up a Luca Uccello free kick. Saint Louis keeper Alec Kahn easily ended that go on net with a easy save.

Minutes later, a through ball made it's way to Saint Louis full back Kieran Bibbs, who had one-on-one chance at goal. However, TFC II goalie Quillan Roberts forced his way up and made a key save, which then went through him, but Skylar Thomas was able to clear it out.

With TFC II taking control early on, Saint Louis found a way to interrupt the flow of the game and put a lot of offence pressure on TFC II. Bibbs was all over the place, trying to move the ball forward for his team. Bibbs' efforts did pay off for him in the 39th minute, as his cross inside the box was tipped in by right back Marcus Godinho. The own goal seemed to deflate TFC II going into the half.

The second half started with Saint Louis being on top of the ball, but a pep talk during the half from head coach Jason Bent must have fired up his team. In the second half, Saint Louis was only able to get one shot on net, while TFC II put up five. Strong defence from the young Reds helped them not concede anymore.

A lack of offence still followed them for the rest of the game, as passes were misplaced, offsides were called and chances on goal were blocked with ease.

TFC II's Massimo Mirabelli almost found himself with a card in the 50th minute, when he tried to punch the ball out of Saint Louis FC striker Bryan Gaul's hands, which lead to Gaul falling down and needing assistance to be taken off the field. Gaul was fine after the scrum and Saint Louis's Mike Ambersely was awarded a yellow for his harsh tackle on a TFC II player.

The game ended 1-0 in favour for the away club, and with a third straight loss and only one goal in seven games for the young Reds.

A Dismal First Half for the young Reds

Coach Jason Bent was not impressed with his teams performance in the first half, "We were too slow, we were far too deep." Bent went on to say that the team picked it up in the second half and played better.

"Fair play to the boys. They came out with good spirit, more energy. Pushed are lines hard, and basically took the game to them. Still did not create that clear cut chances that we needed but happy with the effort in the second half."

"The players need to understand that we cant just compete for 45 minutes at a professional level. We need to bring for the entire 90 minutes."

The own goal was a tough blow for the young Reds, but Bent thinks that the team just didn't perform to their best ability on Saturday. "We were just sort of flat and didn't have enough energy in the first half. That was sort of a result of that lack of energy that we needed."

Another Osorio Makes their Debut

TFC II has already had Anthony Osorio debut for the club, and played throughout the season. The second youngest brother of Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan has already made six appearances for TFC II so far.

Now, the youngest of the three, Nicholas, has made his professional debut. The youngest Osorio came on as a substitute in second half and played for 15 minutes.

"One thing that I've seen from all of the young players that have come up, they have competed very well. They know that once they step between those white lines, its a competitive game and that for young players has to be present." said coach Bent about how the Academy players have fit in with the second team so far.

"Very exciting for me. It was something I have been working for a long time and I enjoyed myself. I hope to continue on getting call up's." mentioned an exciting Nicholas Osorio after competing in his first game for TFC II.