Well, we’ve just passed the midpoint of the MLS season. The World Cup break is over and teams have finally settled back into their rhythm. European clubs are touring the continent playing friendlies, tuning up, and helping the MLS showcase the beautiful game. Apart from the upcoming All Star game, there is really nothing else to distract us from “real” MLS business.
For Toronto FC, the most recent highlight has been the recent friendly against Tottenham Hotspur. While many would argue that this 3 – 2 loss really did not matter, or was even a hindrance to the regular season, a couple of key points come to mind.
Firstly, for TFC players with little or no first team action so far this year, the opportunity to demonstrate their worth was one they did not waste.
Secondly, this was not only an entertaining affair with good pace and clean play, but it might even be seen as a microcosm of TFC’s season thus far. Just about every face of Toronto FC was visible at one time or another.
A less than energetic group in the first half found that playing on the back foot, relying on a compact defense, lofting hopeful balls forward towards a lone striker, and woeful possession wouldn’t be enough to hold off a clinical and efficient Spurs side. Competition level aside, this was the TFC we saw earlier against Dallas, Colorado, and Real Salt Lake. It seems that weaknesses always occur in similar patterns with TFC. Erik Lamela seemed to score from the exact same spot that Brad Davis did (when the Dynamo played TFC).
The young squad that took to the field in the second half showed an opposite TFC. Tottenham had made massive changes as well, but still boasted a formidable side including Andros Townsend, Cristian Ceballos, and what Ryan Nelson later called a world class defence.
Right from the start, Toronto FC had a different look about them. They began to hold possession and dictate the pace. Doneil Henry did not look out of place, showing some superb and clinical tackles against challenging opposition. Jonathan Osorio and Daniel Lovitz were key in creating some nice attacking link up play.
Andrew Wiedeman definitely showed up to play, scoring on a nice hand off from Lovitz. He followed that up by sending a delightful Jordan Hamilton in to tie it up. It really came as a reminder that “Weeds” is still in the system, with quality to offer when he gets the chance. It may seem trivial or even funny now, but harking back on how Paul Mariner was so big on him, it gets you thinking that he might offer even more with time and opportunity.
For most of the game, Kyle Bekker did a superb job in linking midfield with the back four. His touches and were clean and his passing quick and accurate. It was just so unfortunate his errant mishandling of a pass on a stumble turned the ball over for Townsend to send home the winner for Spurs.
Outcome aside, this is a team that once again managed to battle back from a deficit. TFC of the past would have been finished. This momentum has been critical to getting points on the road this year. The addition of not only the DP’s but also strong and consistent MLS players like Justin Morrow and Colin Warrener have solidified the squad. The added speed of Dominic Oduro and the versatility of Bradley Orr have also added depth. Looking forward, the addition of versatile Warren Creavalle from Houston will add even more.
Critical Period for TFC
The team that beat the New York Red Bulls recently and came back against Chicago and Houston looked solid and dominant in midfield. At some points, much of this has been accomplished without Michael Bradley. Bradley’s return has actually revealed some need for adjustment rather than instantly added strength. Bradley has not shown his dominance for quite some time and owing to good planning, TFC has built on in his absence. Bradley needs to do more than fit in. He is a capable midfield general with an ability to dictate pace and manage distribution. A top form Bradley is the key ingredient in a dominant, successful TFC.
Manager Nelsen has always been keen to remind that this team is constantly evolving. Building the depth and chemistry to save the core from injuries and even suspensions is key in MLS. The level of parity within each conference is like never before. A quick review of the standings shows that no one is truly safe or out of it at this point. Though it may not be of great consequence, goal differentials from top to bottom are far closer than ever before. Teams are certainly playing each other close and have tightened up drastically.
The progress of TFC in an ever tightening MLS is remarkable. Moving up the standings and producing a points per game average more than twice last years in the process owes itself not only to adding new assets, but in managing them properly as well. Most of August will be spent against Eastern rivals; the critical time to turn depth and chemistry building into positive results and a successful season. Only then will the monkey of seven dismal seasons climb down from MLSEs back.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on twitter @Deddy66. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at sports injury alert.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at /r/football.
