Two games may not be enough to adequately assess a team in just about any sport, but after a 3 – 1 win against Vancouver and a 2 – 0 loss at the hands of the Columbus Crew, it is clear that despite some promising new additions in the off season, coach Greg Vanney and his Toronto FC squad certainly have a great deal of work to do.
Toronto FC Struggle Against Columbus Crew
The Vancouver game sparked optimism as the Reds adjusted a very high and constantly exposed defensive line in creating a strong possession based attack that allowed its main weapons, Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco, and Robbie Findley, to connect and create multiple chances.
In most respects, Toronto had a good start against Columbus. In the early going, the teams traded chances. Toronto FC looked fairly solid at the back and despite some threats that tested goalkeeper Joe Bendik, the Reds were able to get out of trouble fairly quickly on several occasions. Giovinco managing to get in behind the Columbus back line a couple of times as well. Columbus however, put on a fine display of ball control and possession coming out of their own as well and great forward movement translated into chances for Kei Kamara, Justin Meram, and Federico Higuain.
Even play took a dramatic turn in the extra minute of the first half however when Justin Morrow took down Ethan Finley who was attacking with good pace. Morrow’s tackle looked clean as it was all ball, but he did bring down Finley and denied an obvious scoring chance. Referee Dave Gantar hesitated and consulted his lineman but in the end, delivered a red card to Morrow. The validity of the call is debatable but given that it was Gantar who denied Toronto FC striker, Gilberto an obvious goal against Chicago late last season, the call has not sat well at all in the Toronto FC camp.
Despite his obvious dislike for Gantar’s call last season, Toronto FC captain, Michael Bradley gave a measured response when interviewed following the loss. Bradley did not like the call on Morrow, but he was more concerned with the team’s inability to influence the game once they were down a man. As most would agree, Toronto FC has the talent to do just that; at least hold a solid defensive line with good coverage, and move forward smartly, taking chances opportunistically. Instead, Warren Creavalle and Nick Hagglund (in for an injured Steven Caldwell) lost sight of their men, resulting in goals by Kamara and Meram within five minutes. With Morrow out, Jonathan Osorio was taken off for Ashton’s Morgan, who replaced Morrow in his once regular left back position. Morgan had trouble however, as he was easily out hustled by Crew forwards more than once.
Toronto FC was easily overwhelmed by a Crew offense that found space in wide areas, controlled possession, and was able to lob numerous crosses dangerously through the box. In fact, the Crew were able to shrug off Toronto FC defenders and deliver shots that hit the woodwork on at least three occasions in the second half. Toronto forwards ended up forced to play back deep in their own end and very rarely were able to move forward.
It would be inaccurate to say that this effort brought back shades of last season. This is undoubtedly a new Toronto FC, with a far better back line and a much stronger midfield with the addition of Robbie Findley and Benoit Cheyrou. As the game in Vancouver demonstrated, offense should not be a problem again this year either.
What does matter however, is that no team can play their game once they are driven onto the back foot by adversity and are unable to generate scoring chances. Defensive depth may very well be the problem if Steven Caldwell remains injured for any length of time. It may come down to the necessity for Nick Hagelin to turn his game up a notch continue with the progress he showed last year. The other big question is whether or not Warren Creavalle is better at the right back position than Mark Bloom. At this point, the question is still not firmly answered given neither has truly shown the composure of Caldwell, Perquis, or Morrow.
It will ultimately rest with Greg Vanney to utilize the depth that he has at his disposal. While both Columbus and Vancouver were stacked with additional firepower over the off season as well, Toronto FC entered each game with an arguably deeper squad, defense included. Managing and motivating these assets will not be easy, and developing chemistry will take time. Vanney must be aware however, that his ability to do just that is now the key ingredient to success and will be the difference for him as well. This is far more than the squad he assisted with at Chivas. Success will mean for him, an elevated stature that will place him beside proven MLS coaches. Any failure of Toronto FC to become a contending and threatening squad will be a bitterly lost opportunity.
