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Four Storylines as Toronto FC Win Over D.C. United

Torontonians were left with in a depressing mood Saturday afternoon with the Blue Jays laying an egg against the Boston Red Sox, the Raptors losing their 7th straight playoff game, and the first day of the NHL playoffs with the Toronto Maple Leafs nowhere to be seen. Insult to injury? The high-potent offense of the Blue Jays were shut down by none other than David Price. The ace David Price who the Jays let walk away, to join a division rival in Boston. That is depressing.

The city’s sports moods were dependent on Toronto FC, and they delivered. Toronto snagged a 1-0 result against D.C. United in Washington. Below are five key stories to keep track of if you’re a Toronto FC fan:

Four Storylines as Toronto FC Win Over D.C. United

1) Greg Vanney is your Head Coach for the rest of the season.

Toronto’s newly hired president, Bill Manning, set a goal of eight points from the first eight games of the season. Starting a season off with an eight game road trip made that a challenging goal. Throw in the fact that Toronto opened the season in Supporters’ Shield holders New York Red Bulls, and that’s a recipe for disaster for a team that has fallen on their face too often.

Saturday’s win against D.C. United got Vanney his eighth point of the season, with two games to spare. Eight points from six games represents the safety of his job, and progress on a team that has too often come short of expectations.

Other than his team, Vanney himself has displayed growth and evolution in his role with the team. With a distinct style of play, attitude, and identity present in his players relentless effort, it is clear his message is being followed. As well as having strong control over his players, Vanney has displayed that he can adapt to the situations in-game on numerous occasions. A clear example was present in the game against New York City FC. Vanney changed his formation twenty minutes into the game against New York City, when Toronto were outnumbered in midfield and coughed up a 2-0 deficit. The change resulted in Toronto fighting back to draw the game.

Vanney is the villain in Toronto. Unfortunately, growing scores of fans will always point to him when things don’t go well and not give him the credit he deserves when things are going right. Toronto has improved on their weaknesses from a year ago, and therefore, you have to give a thumbs-up to Vanney.

2) Midfield Monsters

The midfield played a massive role in conserving the result against D.C. United, and the numbers don’t lie. Toronto had an awful 67% passing success rate as a team, but you couldn’t blame Will Johnson or Michael Bradley for that. Bradley had a 76% passing rate, and Johnson with a 79% rate. The four midfielders combined for 16 of the team’s 27 tackles. Toronto’s midfield had more tackles than the entire D.C. United team.

Will Johnson had the team’s best passing percentage and also made the most tackles out of any player on the field, with seven. He was simply a monster on the field. Bradley and Marky Delgado were tied for second in tackles with four. Jonathan Osorio probably isn’t enjoying the gritty play style required by Vanney these days. His skill hasn’t been on display due to the scrappy strategies Toronto employs. However, he’s battled and done what has been asked of him. As Greg Vanney decides to open up the play as the season goes on, Osorio will look better.

3) Moor is enough

Drew Moor was challenged to play with a new partner, as Josh Williams stepped in for Damien Perquis. That was no problem for the veteran defender, who won a commanding 83% of his duels, and made 14 defensive actions. Simply said, Moor was the most important player on the field on Saturday.

4) Jozy Altidore finally fitting in

For much of his second MLS stint, Altidore has seemed like the odd man out on this Toronto FC team. Some even suggested that the US International could be a candidate to be moved out. Even though the big striker has scored 13 goals in 22 appearances, he’s just looked out of place at times. However, for the last two games, Jozy Altidore has linked up with Sebastian Giovinco quite well and looks to be creating a partnership with the reigning league MVP. Altidore also won four aerial battles and assisted on Giovinco’s game-winning goal.

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