Tactical breakdown: How Osorio's absence affected TFC down the stretch

Toronto FC will miss the MLS playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in nearly a decade. Failing to qualify was the norm back then, but not now which is why it’s paramount that 2023 snaps the drought at the two-year mark.

Some will point to the 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy on Aug. 31 or the 4-3 loss to rival CF Montreal as the nail in TFC’s coffin. In reality, the team’s playoff chances fluttered away when injuries to their midfielders began to pile up.

Chief among them was Jonathan Osorio, who is still recovering from a head injury and hasn’t played since a brief substitute appearance on Sept. 17.

It’s not a coincidence that TFC’s performances, and its playoff hopes, declined as soon as Osorio was ruled out. It was more than just his goals, too. The Brampton native was a key piece of the spine and losing him clearly had lasting ramifications.

Here’s an in-depth dive into how Osorio’s absence affected TFC down the stretch.