Federico Bernardeschi exits early as Toronto FC attacking woes continue | OneFootball

Toronto FC's attack continues to struggle to produce anything resembling a consistent threat in front of its home fans, and that might only get worse if Federico Bernardeschi's latest injury is more than a minor knock.

Bernardeschi had to come off during the 70th minute of Toronto's 1-0 loss to New York City FC on Saturday afternoon, a game in which the Reds probably should've created the better chances based on the flow of the game, but ultimately couldn't do so.

The 31-year-old Italian is the only TFC player with multiple goals this campaign (two), and with two assists has been involved in 50% of Toronto's eight total goals on the season. He had played every minute so far for Robin Fraser until he was forced into his exit midway through Saturday's second half.

Bernardeschi's exit meant he only got to play three minutes with fellow countryman Lorenzo Insigne, who began the match on the bench for the first time since Robin Fraser debuted him for the season on March 22.

Was that actually better?

Even so, Toronto's 1.4 expected-goal (xG) total suggested its most threatening performance since a 2-2 draw at D.C. United on opening weekend.

The eye test revealed otherwise, with the Reds repeatedly failing to make NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese work, putting only one of their 12 shot attempts on target. Those finishing struggles could become even more pronounced if Bernardeschi is forced to miss an extended run of games.

City won the match through Alonso Martinez's sixth goal of the season and second from the penalty spot, converted in the 64th minute after he drew a foul on Toronto defender Kosi Thompson. It was hard on Thompson after his excellent goal-line header to deny Hannes Wolf 10 minutes earlier.