Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Match Overview
Toronto FC were able to progress to the MLS cup final with a narrow 2-1 victory over title holders Atlanta United. Starting in a 4-3-3 formation, Toronto struggled to get a foothold against the the relentless Atlanta attack. Despite going in to half time at 1-1, the Canadian side had endured an onslaught in the opening 45, scoring a good goal but also conceding one and relying on their keeper save a penalty. In the second half the formation changed to a 5-4-1 for long periods of the game as they sat in and withstood the Atlanta pressure. Then thanks to a bit of magic from 25 yards with around 15 minutes left, Toronto were able to take the lead and hang on until the final whistle.
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 16/05/1995
- Current Club: Toronto FC
- Career: Chivas USA, Toronto FC
- Position: Central Midfield
- Secondary Position: Right Midfield, Left Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Delgado was solid in the Toronto midfield in a game in which they had little possession. The American was tidy on the ball, making some good first time lay offs and passes and linking up well with his teammates. He also made some nice turns and was able to drive his team upfield on occasion. Yet he also made a couple of loose passes that gave up possession too easily in a match where his team needed to make the most of their time on the ball. He showed a good level of awareness, checking his shoulders before receiving a pass and he took up some dangerous positions beyond the opposition midfield.
Defensively the 5’9 midfielder was aggressive when he needed to be and battled well in challenges and duels. He made some solid blocks and was rarely caught put of position, tracking runs when necessary but he was fairly passive at times, content with his opponent having the ball in front of him.
Overall, it was a decent display from Delgado, who performed his role to a good standard and seemed composed in possession.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 23/01/1996
- Current Club: Toronto FC
- Career: São Paulo, Linense (L), América Mineiro (L), Toronto FC
- Position: Right Back
- Secondary Position: Right Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Auro Jr. had a quiet game before being withdrawn due to injury with just over 20 minutes left to play. The full back’s passing was solid but unremarkable and not particularly progressive and he rarely ventured forward, finding himself pinned back by the dangerous Atlanta forward line.
Due to the opposition wingers often preferring to drop into midfield or more central areas, he was sometimes left unsure where to go and who to mark and found himself being sucked inside towards the run of the striker too easily on occasion. The 5’6 Brazilian did not compete in many aerial duels but had a solid build and showed good strength and pace at times.
Overall, despite Atlanta dominating possession it was a relatively quiet game at both ends for Auro Jr, who showed brief glimpses of potential but wasn’t very involved.
Rating: C
Target Scouting 