Absences Weighed Heavily, Rout at BMO Field | Toronto FC 1-4 Chicago Fire

After returning for matchday 20 of the MLS, Toronto FC lost 3 crucial points against Chicago Fire, where the team seemed lost throughout the match, while the visitors capitalized on every opportunity despite Luka Gavran's exceptional saves.

In the first half, Toronto FC appeared more focused with the ball, dominating possession, but they struggled to find spaces to reach the final third and shoot on goal.

A golden opportunity for Chicago Fire came in the 40th minute, making it 0-1, but the visitors' joy was short-lived as TFC responded effectively. Lorenzo Insigne scored the equalizer with a powerful low shot, although the goal was reviewed by VAR. The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.

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The second half turned disastrous for Herdman's side, as Chicago Fire scored easily in the 57th minute to make it 1-2. Just three minutes later, they made it 1-3, delivering two heavy blows to TFC within the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Despite dominating the ball, TFC couldn't find an offensive response, resorting to just moving the ball from side to side. Additionally, Toronto FC's defense was highly unfocused, leaving dangerous gaps for Chicago Fire.

In the 89th minute, Chicago Fire sealed the match with a final goal, making it 1-4, putting the finishing touch on their victory and taking 3 crucial points from Toronto FC at BMO Field.

Concern in the Eastern Conference

With this defeat, Toronto FC falls to 7th place in the Eastern Conference, with 24 points from 18 matches. This return after the FIFA break has been somewhat tragic, as they will face almost a month without 3 key players due to the Copa America. However, for the next match, they will recover Federico Bernardeschi and Nicksoen Gomis.

Toronto FC is now focused on their next match on June 19th, where they will face Nashville at BMO Field. This time, they cannot afford to drop points, as the race for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference is getting tighter. Herdman will need to address all the errors seen against Chicago Fire.