All in all, it was difficult to watch the MLS match when Toronto FC visited Real Salt Lake on Sunday, March 29th. It wasn’t so much the on-field performance and the 2 – 1 result that fell in Real Salt Lake’s favor, it was actually tough to watch as hope turned to ultimate dismay and disappointment as Toronto FC fans chronicled the game on Twitter.
Hope Turns to Despair as Toronto FC Loses to Real Salt Lake
Low expectations abounded as Toronto FC entered the third of a seven game road swing with Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore on international duty, Justin Morrow suspended due to a red card against Columbus, and Steven Caldwell and Damien Perquis out due to injury. A young back line with sophomore Nick Hagglund and recent draft pick Clement Simonin in the middle made things even more worrisome.
Toronto FC gave very little in the early going however, as they controlled much of the possession and had several corners and clear shots on target. Real Salt Lake seemed satisfied to sit back and wait for an opportunity, perhaps hoping Toronto FC would succumb to the demands of altitude.
From about the 15 minute mark, Real Salt Lake began to execute an attack. Despite missing some of their own stars, a core consisting of Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales, Tony Beltran, Luke Mulholland, and Devon Sandoval, made nice combinations in build up play and started to find room on the flanks. Aerial balls across the Toronto FC box were remarkably accurate and reached their intended targets more often than not. It wasn’t long before Luke Mulholland gathered up a nice left to right cross and drove deeply down the right side to beat Joe Bendik.
Toronto FC held composure through the remainder of the first half and even into the early part of the second, conceding very few chances. While they were unable to find a decisive final ball to even the score, pushes toward goal resulted in numerous corners. Sebastian Giovinco delivered beautiful crosses and it wasn’t long before Nick Hagglund figured out how to capitalize. Just prior to the 70th minute, Hagglund connected on one and drove it right into the Real Salt Lake keeper. Several minutes later, in an almost identical play, he connected in the same fashion once more and headed the ball straight into the net. Much to the chagrin of Toronto FC supporters, the goal was called back on an apparent foul. There was little protest from Toronto FC but a foul was very hard to discern from the replay.
Continuing with methodical build up play, Toronto FC weathered periodic Real Salt Lake attack and worked very well out of the back. Hagglund and Clement Simonin looked comfortable going forward and both Colin Warner and Benoit Cheyrou were able to connect well into the offensive half. Giovinco demonstrated quality ball control with several episodes of quick lateral carries into the final third. He received some assistance when Bright Dike came on late in the second half. It was actually Bright Dike who combined with fellow sub Jackson in a give and go, thus aiding Jackson’s eventual drive to net in the 88th minute. With a surprising tie, Toronto FC appeared to lose focus and within a minute, Real Salt Lake had come back to go ahead once more, thanks to a quick flick header from Jordan Allan. Hope evaporated quickly as Toronto FC, though deflated, pressed for a second equalizer, but to no avail.
From a wider perspective, this game was intriguing. There are so many takeaways, some bad, but most good. To begin with, this was a game Toronto FC should never have been in. Given the absence of the team’s core, the overall ability to maintain possession demonstrated more depth than most had expected.
Warner and Cheyrou did a fantastic job in creating combinations and the ball movement needed to keep Real Salt Lake hemmed in. The return of Bradley can only make this better. Ashtone Morgan covered considerable ground in playing the left back position. Some of his crosses were quality reminders of the hope folks had for him when he first graduated to the first team. Of course, the performance of Giovinco, both in carrying the play and delivering excellent balls on set pieces, simply proves that he is quality and will truly not disappoint as he contributes more and more to the Toronto FC attack going forward.
Something that has not really gotten attention is the game management of Greg Vanney. The three substitutes brought in late but timely, only served to enhance chances going forward. With Dike and Jackson making their mark, there is some testimony to the depth Toronto FC now has. Moreover, this was a team that came prepared to play. Creavalle may have had some coverage issues at times but overall, he did show some signs of settling into his right back role. It appears that Vanney is investing some time and effort into him, and for the most part, it is a show of confidence.
Many folks may not remember, but approximately one year ago, Toronto FC went into Sandy, Utah and played and lost miserably. Some commentators suggested that Real Salt Lake would be a great model Toronto FC might aspire to. Such suggestions were absent on Sunday. While this and the Columbus game may have exposed some issues (no doubt defensive coverage needs work), no one appears to be talking about a lack of identity at this point. Similarly, the Toronto FC who lost its grip on a playoff spot through lacklustre play last year, has yet to appear.
There are definite assets to build on going forward. The potential for a new, stronger identity is high, depending on how it’s managed and grown, of course. Clearly, this not the Defoe – Gilberto model of last year. Much of this depends on Vanney. He has to manage this team to results, pure and simple. A string of close losses and repeated history will certainly seal his fate sooner than later. In a world where results are the final word, close, dramatic losses need to become wins. There are no other options.
Main Photo Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
