Match Report: FC Cincinnati 0-1 Toronto FC | OneFootball

Heading into Sunday's match, Toronto FC was not impressing many in the league, having lost both of their opening games to start the MLS season. To compound the issue, TFC had conceded six goals in two games - calling into question the capability of the backline to prevent goals.

Toronto was facing an FC Cincinnati team that has high expectations for the season and the Reds took it to FCC in the first 20 minutes. Cincinnati was playing off of their back foot and could not seem to get any offense going as the high press was stifling the attack from the back. Cincinnati's game plan using their speedy wingers was shut down from stellar defensive play across the board. A late Daniel Salloi goal secured the win for Toronto and a much-improved back line earned the clean sheet.

Red-y for Primetime

Richie Laryea - he's here, he's there, he's everywhere! - Laryea's work ethic can never be questioned as his engine seems to draw from a never-ending well of energy. However, Richie's performance on Sunday was elevated as he was all over the pitch throughout the match. He was defending, moving the ball through the midfield, and creating chances at the other end of the pitch. His sublime through ball to Daniel Salloi after walking around Cincinnati striker Kevin Denkey was a sight to behold:

Raheem Edwards' vintage Toronto FC Performance - Edwards was a terror on the left side of the pitch for 65 minutes on Sunday. He effectively shut down Cincinnati's attack through speedy winger Ender Echenique and made it difficult to have any type of offense through the wings. Edwards was signed after being released by the New York Red Bulls and now returns home to face his former team in Toronto's home opener. Let's hope Edwards can continue this form as he arrives back with his hometown club after leaving in 2017.

Defensive Improvements - a clean sheet is always welcome in a match, especially when Toronto ends up scoring to secure a victory. With the addition of Benjamin Kuscevic to the backline and deciding to play three at the back, TFC had more cohesiveness through the middle of the pitch. This solidity translated into the midfield being able to push higher to choke off Cincinnati's attack. A couple of personnel changes has seemed to make a difference in Toronto's ability to defend.

Seeing Red

Walker Zimmerman's Head Injury - Zimmerman collided with Cincinnati forward Kevin Denkey n the 54nd minute of the match but continued to play after being checked out by the on-field medical staff. However, Zimmerman asked to be removed from the pitch after complaining of dizziness in the 69th minute. He should be commended to have enough awareness to take himself out of the game due to a head injury. Hopefully this is nothing too major as Zimmerman missed nine matches due to a concussion.

Luka Gavran's Indecisiveness - while the team earned a clean sheet, and Gavran made two key saves to keep it that way, Gavran looked a bit shaky between the sticks. After last week's 3-0 loss to Vancouver, Gavran was criticized for his hesitancy to come out and challenge for the ball on set pieces. In Sunday's match, there were a few opportunities for Gavran to claim the ball but he hesitated to do so. In one flurry of shots near the end of the second half, TFC defenders blocked four shot attempts in a row to prevent a shot coming close to Gavran. Let's hope it's just confidence Gavran is lacking right now and will grow into his role with more minutes played.

Lack of Clinical Finishing in the Box - While Toronto won, the scoreline could have been more lopsided if the TFC attack could actually finish their chances. Early on in the match, Toronto was dominating possession and created numerous chances inside Cincinnati's 18-yard-box. Emilio Aristizábal had a number of chances to finish but did not convert on his opportunities. Also, Deandre Kerr rung a shot off of the crossbar after coming on a substitute. In order to be competitive, Toronto FC needs to finish their chances.

Toronto returns home for their home opener against New York Red Bulls in the first of their nine-game home stand. TFC needs to continue these positive results in order to have a realistic chance of making the playofss in 2026.