Frankly, the results of Toronto FC’s final regular season game were not Greg Vanney’s fault – the results against the same club, the Montréal Impact a week later in the first round of the playoffs were. Some people have been calling for his head with the disgraceful performance that TFC put on in both of these games, and they do appear justified. Why then does he deserve to remain in charge of this club?
For starters, Vanney used the same starting eleven in both matches, with his most experienced players named to the eleven – it’s hard to blame him for wanting foster continuity in his players, or believing that they will have learned something the week before. Especially since it is the most veteran members of the team who are expected to be leaders; you have to feel for Greg Vanney. To be fair, Toronto FC were actually in the game a week prior to the playoff encounter for 85 minutes; save for a 5 minute spell which saw Didier Drogba score two easy goals.
For some, perhaps it was the players slotted into his chosen formation that did not suit the team. Robbie Findley and Jackson together were dreadful, Jonathan Osorio and Justin Morrow were very strong in possession but lacked the attacking pace – if Findley and him were to switch flanks perhaps it would have led to a nice balance between the two, yet again then they would not be playing their natural positions.
The only player who anyone can argue that deserved to be in that starting eleven from the reserves was Marky Delgado – impressive season, tireless and great utility player. Even Collen Warner could have featured from the first minute; his play in possession has been wonderful this season. Mentally he is leaps and bounds ahead of the average MLS defensive midfielder. But hey, the US men’s national team captain and a former legend of Marseille seem decent enough don’t they?
Even the issue of right back is not Vanney’s fault; how can he predict that Mark Bloom would be injured for the entire year? General manager Tim Bezbatchenko needed to address the issue, and by playing Morrow, Delgado or Jackson out of position seemed to work against lesser opposition but unfortunately as it was evident against tougher opposition like the Impact, the right side is always where trouble appears from.
At the more central position, Damien Perquis’ inability to maintain a cool head cost him his place in the eleven and Ahmad Kantari was less than capable of replacing him, as was Josh Williams in replacing Steven Caldwell who retired earlier this year. Yet Williams proved more than adequate and deserves a chance next year – good on Tim Bezbatchenko for signing him. It was the inability to communicate between the two centrebacks in the final game – Kantari seemed out of place at times whenever Williams committed.
Yet again, what choice did Vanney have except to play Kantari, a Ligue 1 veteran (playing for the last place team two years in a row – Toronto was able to sign him as his club was relegated) or his young nephew, Eriq Zavaleta (Yes, his nephew plays on the team)? Other central defenders included the relatively untested Clemont Simonin, who has impressed while filling in, and Nick Hagglund, whose season never got off to the right start with injury.
Some even insist that it was wrong to place Chris Konopka in goal and to not trust Joe Bendik. But what is the point of all of this?
Greg Vanney did his best with the players at his disposal. He brought them this far, which is a credit for a franchise that has relatively underachieved throughout its history. He brought a team of players from various backgrounds together, and fostered the growth of chemistry among them.
Many people will say that Greg Vanney’s season was predetermined by the signings of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore – simply astounding players who have impressed since day one. Yet Vanney is owed much respect for finding a system that works to accommodate the two of them, and getting the best out of Giovinco – the best season out of any player in MLS history. That in itself is something deserving of praise. Whether Vanney is the right man to lead this organization going forward is yet to be seen, but frankly, he does not deserve to be fired based on the results of two matches and the tactics he used throughout them.
