Toronto FC: 4 things we learned from Champions League stumble

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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 19: Sebastian Giovinco #10 of Toronto FC looks on during the first half of the 2018 Campeones Cup Final against Tigres UANL at BMO Field on September 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

1) Sebastian Giovinco is sorely missed

In just four seasons with the club, Sebastian Giovinco became unquestionably the greatest player in TFC history. His 83 goals for the boys in red weren’t just impressive for club supporters, it was enough to earn him league wide praise and an MVP award to boot.

Toronto FC clearly missed Giovinco on Tuesday night, as Greg Vanney’s side were unable to threaten the Independiente goal for the better part of 70 minutes. Much of the pregame discussion centred around the idea that Toronto FC would be in all-out attack mode, needing a plethora of goals to get back into the two-legged series. If this was TFC’s best shot, it will be a long and frustrating season.

TFC were missing that tactical prowess that Giovinco so often brought, and it showed in their toothless attack. Somehow, 17 shots on target and a 9:2 corner ratio didn’t help the reigning championship one bit, and besides a close call in the early minutes of the game, it never seemed like Toronto had any chance.

An unfamiliar feeling for most supporters. With Giovinco, there was always a chance.

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