Toronto FC: 4 takeaways from season-opening win in Philadelphia

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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 29: Chris Mavinga #23 of Toronto FC dribbles the ball during the first half of the MLS Eastern Conference Finals, Leg 2 game against Columbus Crew SC at BMO Field on November 29, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2) Chris Mavinga impresses

Toronto FC decided to start the game with a 3-4-3 formation. This meant a three-man defence which included Chris Mavinga and Laurent Ciman on either side of Drew Moor.

It’s always reassuring to see Moor in the TFC lineup. The 35-year-old veteran was limited to eight league games last season and will need to find way to stay fitter in 2019.

However, for the first game at least, it was Mavinga who stood out in defence. In fact if it wasn’t for Bradley, he would have had an excellent case for being man of the match.

Certainly TFC needed the French native to be at his best, as the home side put on an attacking display. The Union had more shots (17-8), corners (8-1) and crosses (17-12), as they dominated with 61.6 percent of the possession.

Of course, all that matters is not conceding goals and the Reds owe a big debt to Mavinga, as he helped them limit the Union to just one goal. Lets give some praise to Ciman as well though, as his goal line clearance late on kept it at 2-1 to TFC.

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