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FULL TIMELast update 11:24 AM ET
6 years ago

Thank you and goodbye!

And on that note, I say thank you and goodbye! 

If you're looking for a post-match read, go no further than my article about Coventry City's summer signings. 

To everyone reading along, have a great day! 

Catch you soon,

Luke James

 

Updates by Luke James

Key moments

  1. 11:07 AM ETFull Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution
  2. 10:58 AM ET86'PENALTY CALLED! NO! Free-kick...
  3. 10:51 AM ET79'Penalty, maybe?!
  4. 10:00 AM ETHalf Time: A draw would suit New England
  5. 9:11 AM ETKick-Off: We're underway in Orlando!
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6 years ago

Full Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution

Despite dominating the first half, Toronto FC survived a second half scare to secure the draw they required to secure a place in the knockout rounds of MLS is Back.

The Revs were sensational after the break. Had it not been for Alex Bono's virtuoso performance, New England would have undoubtedly secured all three points in Orlando.

Speaking of Bono, the American shot-stopper is my Player of the Match - although Matt Turner is equally deserving of the award! 

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Full Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution

After securing five points in Group C, New England should have done enough to secure progression to the knockout rounds. Even if Montreal go ahead of them in the standings, the Revs should qualify as a wildcard entrant to the knockouts!

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Full Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution

Toronto FC are through to the knockout rounds at MLS is Back! The Canadian side - courtesy of goals scored - finish the group stage above the Revs, and will thus move on in the tournament regardless of what happens in the match between Montreal and D.C. United.

Updates by Luke James

91'6 years ago

Alex Bono!

Alex Bono has made another fine stop, this time to prevent Justin Rennicks getting his name of the score-sheet! 

Bono hasn't featured for TFC since September. This is a thoroughly impressive performance from the former-USMNT 'goalie.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

So close, yet so far...

 

Updates by Luke James

86'6 years ago

PENALTY CALLED! NO! Free-kick...

Jozy Altidore is on, and he's immediately involved! The USMNT forward played a ball through to Akinola, who is fouled on the edge of the box by De Juan Jones.

The contact was outside of the box, the original decision has been changed from a penalty to a free-kick.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

A MOTM performance from Jair Marrufo!

To reiterate, the referee has got that decision 100% correct! Gustavo Bou pre-empted contact and tumbled to the ground without receiving contact from Michael Bradley.

It's a lucky escape for TFC, but the correct decision from referee Jair Marrufo!

Updates by Luke James

79'6 years ago

Penalty, maybe?!

Straight after Turner's save, New England created what looked like an obvious penalty call! On first viewing, it looked like Bradley had tripped Bou in the box...

Instead, Bou tumbled without contact, and the play continues. A heart in mouth moment for TFC fans! 

A brilliant decision by the on-field referee!

Updates by Luke James

78'6 years ago

Unbelievable from Matt Turner!

Akinola once again broke through the Revs' defence, only to be thwarted by a fantastic low save from Matt Turner! That looked a certain goal for TFC, but Turner was on hand to save the day...

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Action Replay: What a save, Alex Bono!

For a 'keeper low on confidence, this is a fantastic stop by Alex Bono!

Updates by Luke James

73'6 years ago

A huge chance for New England!

Alex Bono was forced into a point-blank save from Adam Buksa! A cross-field ball from Fagundez unlocked TFC's defence, but Buksa was unable to provide the final touch.

New England have been the much better side since half-time!

Updates by Luke James

67'6 years ago

Double substitution for TFC

 

Updates by Luke James

60'6 years ago

Substitutions for New England

On: Gustavo Bou and Cristian Penilla

Off: Kelyn Rowe and Teal Bunbury

Pozuelo has just had a free-kick saved by Matt Turner, it wasn't his best effort.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Action Replay!

This was the chance I was speaking about a few moments ago...

Updates by Luke James

55'6 years ago

Back-to-back-to-back corners!

Toronto FC are under the cosh! Had it not been for a last-ditch challenge from Akinola, the Revs might have taken the lead from one of three successive corners.

TFC will be looking forward to the next hydration break...

Updates by Luke James

53'6 years ago

FAGUNDEZ GOES CLOSE!

New England were inches from taking the lead! A wonderful through-ball released Fagundez, who sent a low shot towards Bono's net.

Had it not been for Mavinga's block, New England would be in the lead! 

Updates by Luke James

49'6 years ago

Michael Bradley, wow...

Bradley is in the book for a mistimed tackle in midfield! Just moments later, a scuffed shot from Buchanan crept just wide of the post.

Toronto are under pressure!

Updates by Luke James

48'6 years ago

Bono makes a save!

New England have started the better of the two sides after the break. A low shot from the right tip of the penalty area was never going to beat Bono, but it's an encouraging sign from the Revs!

Updates by Luke James

47'6 years ago

New England substitution...

 

Updates by Luke James

46'6 years ago

A like-for-like change for TFC

The second half is underway in Orlando! Just the one change at half-time for Toronto, Nick De Leon has been replaced by Jacob Shaffleburg.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

I need a hydration break!

As the team's prepare for the second half, I'm going to take a quick drink break! 

While I'm gone, why not check-out my analysis of yesterday's match between Inter Miami and NYCFC?

 

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Half Time: Toronto are on top...

Greg Vanney can't be too disappointed with his side's performance: Toronto have dominated possession thus far.

My only criticism of TFC is that they haven't produced a wealth of chances. If the Reds want to win this tournament, they have to be braver in the final third.

Jozy Altidore is on the bench...

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Half Time: A draw would suit New England

It's half-time in Orlando, and the Revs will go into the locker-room content with their performance in the opening forty-five minutes. A point would be good enough for Bruce Arena's side, and New England are on course for just that! 

Fagundez has been exceptionally quite for New England; Matt Turner has been the standout player for Arena's side.

 

Updates by Luke James

45'6 years ago

Another chance for Akinola!

Bruce Arena is not happy with his defence! 

Once again, Ayo Akinola is causing the Revs issues down the left flank. Akinola's movement is so intelligent, but the young forward is yet to find his scoring touch this morning.

New England are most dangerous attacking down the right flank, but are yet to force Bono into action.

Updates by Luke James

41'6 years ago

Scott Caldwell joins Rowe...

Both New England central midfielders are now on yellow cards. Once again, TFC had the chance to break over the halfway line... but a tactical foul ended their hopes of scoring on the transition. 

That aside, the Revs are starting to grow into the game. A few dangerous crosses have been launched into Bono's penalty area. 

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Small sample size; big potential

Ayo Akinola has impressed for TFC at MLS is Back! Once again, the Toronto youngster has shown glimpses of impressive movement. 

Updates by Luke James

37'6 years ago

Kelyn Rowe is in the book!

Chris Mavinga had the chance to break away, but was cut down in his own half by Keyln Rowe. 

That's the first yellow card of today's game, the officials have had quite a simple morning thus far!

Updates by Luke James

25'6 years ago

Vintage Bruce Arena?

Sky Sports' commentators have suggested that Bruce Arena has set-up his side to contain the threats posed by Toronto; they have a point.

Diego Fagúndez has been exceptionally quiet so far. Likewise, New England's wingers have been little more than spectators.

Five points would probably see both teams progress, a goalless draw might please Arena.

Updates by Luke James

18'6 years ago

A huge chance for Akinola!

Perhaps the TFC forward thought he was offside, Akinola has just missed a huge chance to give Toronto the lead! 

Andrew Farrell was all at sea as TFC broke through the Revs' defence, a smart save from Turner was the only thing that stopped Arena's side from falling behind.

Speaking of the former USMNT head coach... Arena is not looking impressed by his team's performance so far!

Updates by Luke James

15'6 years ago

Pozuelo comes close to breaking the deadlock!

Just before the first hydration break of the game, Alejandro Pozuelo came close to opening the scoring. The Spaniard attempted to chip Matt Turner, but sent his shot just over the crossbar.

The Revolution are yet to make their mark on this game.

Updates by Luke James

12'6 years ago

Few chances so far...

There hasn't been too much to report this far. 

Toronto have had the better of the play, especially down the right flank, but neither side has looked like scoring. 

The Revs have shown some positive touches in midfield, Tajon Buchanan just launched a nice run towards TFC's penalty area.

Possession: TFC 72.7% - 27.3% Revs

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Could 9AM kick-offs become the norm?

Today's match is being broadcast around the world, and is being carried on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. Should MLS cater to international audiences by playing matches in the morning and early afternoon?

Updates by Luke James

05'6 years ago

TFC have started brightly

Toronto have started the brighter of the two sides. Alejandro Pozuelo whipped a dangerous cross into the Revs box in opening moments of the match.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Kick-Off: We're underway in Orlando!

Kick-off has arrived in Orlando, and we're underway! 

As has been the case before all MLS is Back fixtures, players and staff from both sides took a knee in support of Black Lives Matter before kick-off.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Last-minute predictions

Good morning North America! To everyone joining me from the US, Canada and Mexico - welcome to this morning's VAVEL LIVE blog! 

My name is Luke James, and I'll be your host for today's match. I'm watching the game from across the pond in England.

As kick-off approaches, I'm leaning towards a Toronto FC victory this time out. The Revs have made a positive impression at MLS is Back, but TFC have just been so dangerous in attack.

Akinola and Pozeulo are both in the starting line-up for Toronto, and I expect them to be the difference makers this morning.

Regardless of the result, I expect both teams to move on in the tournament. Four points should be enough for TFC or New England to progress via the wildcard standings.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Arena makes six changes

Farrell, Kessler, Jones, Fagundez, Bunbury, Buchanan all start for New England. It’s also an #MLSisBack debut for Farrell.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

A change in goal for Toronto

The stand-out change to TFC's line-up is in goal: Quentin Westberg has been replaced for today's match by Alex Bono.

Westberg has impressed since joining Toronto, but Vanney has opted to give minutes to his second-choice 'stopper.

Updates by Luke James

6 years ago

Greg Vanney's starting XI...

 

Updates by Luke James