For a team that has had very little to celebrate over the last month or more, Toronto FC managed to do something it has done very little of recently; dominate and win a Major League Soccer match. TFC has continually failed to deliver as of late. But on a bright and sunny Sunday, the 21st day of September, we saw a far more spirited Toronto FC take the field and, for the most part, dominate en route to a 3 – 0 victory.
On the heels of a disappointing tie last weekend against the Chicago Fire, TFC came out showing real drive. It may very well have been motivation carried over from the disallowed goal Gilberto scored in the final minutes last weekend. Facing a weak Chivas team that was missing Erick Torres and Carlo Bocanegra and hadn’t scored a goal from open play in over 900 minutes, the opportunity for three points in a game that was by all purposes a must win in keeping confidence and playoff hopes alive, was one not lost on TFC players. One might say that from the latter half of the Chicago game onward, TFC has begun to play with a level of intensity consistent with a team competing for a playoff spot. At times, this was certainly not the case, at least since early August. If anything, the role of heart and motivation has been shown to, in many respects, outweigh the apparent talent and quality of this newly built group.
With a squad that was also bolstered by the return of Steven Caldwell and Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC began with fair possession but no real ability to make meaningful connection through midfield, at least through the first twenty minutes. At times, defensive possession actually looked sloppy, but Chivas could not seem to take advantage. Striker Gilberto, playing with Luke Moore at the front of a 4 – 4 – 2 formation, did manage a couple of early headers in close but could not hit the target. There was more to come however in the twenty-third minute as Gilberto sent a nifty backheel from an Osorio cross toward center. It was nicely received and buried by Jackson who was driving forward to the left.
The goal added some momentum as TFC saw increased possession and better build up play through the rest of the first half. For their efforts, the reward came just before the first half whistle as Luke Moore scored on a one touch off a beautiful header across goal from Mark Bloom. The importance of this goal can probably not be overstated given the manner in which TFC has relinquished single goal leads and allowed opponents back into matches this year. A two goal lead is an absolute necessity for any team who can periodically give away possession cheaply and allow opponents a wealth of time and space, as TFC has been quite guilty of.
TFC possession from the first half continued into the second. Michael Bradley methodically went to work in seeking opening through midfield and providing service going forward. Though sometimes lacking accuracy, Bradley is truly tenacious and the frequency of his deliveries is impressive. He connected well with Osorio on a number of occasions. It was Bradley’s corner that Mark Bloom was able to head back to Luke Moore’s volley on the second goal. It was also Bradley’s nice touch on the corner that sent the ball neatly for Gilberto to send into a wide open net on the third goal in the fifty-third minute. Bradley’s tenacity was quite evident in his work rate; both going forward on counters and on his ability to track back defensively. In many ways during this game, Michael Bradley demonstrated the value of what a box-to-box midfielder can do. Many have recently wondered if indeed Bradley would be more effectively used exclusively in an offensive distribution role, relying on a more defensive type for support from the back. With Jonathan Osorio in front of him in this match, Bradley was a general all over the park, and quietly went about his business in creating quality service. The combinations going forward with Daniel Lovitz and Jackson playing wide were excellent in gaining the final third and creating the kind of quality chances TFC have been unable to generate for some time.
Bradley’s leadership is not only critical as an on field general in distribution, and as a locker room motivator, but it is also critical in keeping the intensity directed toward getting results. Jackson’s display of aggression in a second half altercation with Nigel Reo-Coker resulted in a red card and suspension for both players. At this point, Jackson’s services are the type TFC can really not afford to do without. With six games left and TFC just 3 points out of a playoff spot, every resource will be needed to keep pace.
It must also be said that with Nigel Reo-Coker, Marvin Chavez, and TFC alumni Eric Avila and Nathan Sturgis returning with an aim to do damage, this could have gone wrong for TFC. Former players and star quality personnel have historically (and recently) walked into BMO and broken hearts in a very predictable and obvious fashion. On this day however, the old TFC was kept hidden and the motivation to right the wrongs of Chicago won out. Long crosses, delivered with pinpoint accuracy, did not find their way onto the boots of unmarked would-be heroes. The organization of Caldwell, the newfound intensity of Mark Bloom, and the reliability of Hagglund and Morrow did not let that happen.
In addition, the heroics of goalkeeper Joe Bendik were also called upon to keep a clean sheet. Since the departure of Julio Cesar, Bendik has returned to his former stature and then some. He has been called upon many times in the past month as injuries have left the backline thin. Though required less frequently against Chivas, his intensity in delivering miraculous game savers keeps on going and if anything, his leadership in doing so is “man of the match” quality.
Gilberto’s ability to put his own stamp on the offensive side has been evident for quite some time now. He has consistently been able to create chances, get on the end of poor service more than anyone should, and most importantly, generate timely goals. Gilberto makes a contribution in the same vein as Danny Koevermans and of course, Jermain Defoe. The difference of course is that his loss of time due to injury is minimized by his ability to recover. He is basically more durable and essentially reliable. If current trends hold, he is well on his way to becoming TFC’s premiere weapon. With his tenacity and work rate game after game, he has the distinct ability to make those around him better.
With the victory, the Reds stay in the playoff mix. Not since 2009 has TFC accumulated 10 wins. With 6 games remaining, they have an excellent chance to surpass that total. If so, they will have had their most successful year in club history. Making the playoffs may be another matter. The typical point requirement in the Eastern Conference for fifth place is close to fifty points. With a potential eighteen points remaining, a solid winning record must be in order. Inconsistency in the past may dictate that for TFC this will be highly unlikely. However, the motivation displayed against Chivas did a couple of things. It gave the game an air of satisfaction, certainly for coach Greg Vanney’s first victory and as an end to a 6-game winless streak, but it also proved that this may very well still be a new TFC. Just when we see shades of the old returning, a new motivation finds its way in.
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