There is not a lot that remains to be said about Toronto FC’s performance in Dallas that hasn’t already been covered in sports articles throughout the web or on social media.
In the few days since the storm-delayed stretch that spanned over April 18th and 19th, Nick Hagglund has been tagged by some with the proverbial role of goat from his performance at right back and how he handled the challenge of having to control Fabian Castillo. It was Castillo who took advantage of a slow moving Hagglund and a highly pressing Toronto defence in streaking down the wing and scoring two very similar goals as he managed to turn Hagglund inside out within the first ten minutes.
Toronto FC in Tough with Recent Road Loss
Of course, Damien Perquis left an equally desperate image as he bobbled the ball and failed to clear a fairly easy dump-in, thus enabling Blas Perez to take full advantage of the gift. All in all, the first half saw Toronto FC fail to get a positive start, fail to defend with any degree of competence, and display a disappointing lack of creativity in going forward. The entire debacle harkens back to earlier years and ranks alongside of some of the lowest displays the team has given in its history.
On the flipside, after a near three and a half hour delay, a surprising turn occurred as the teams resumed play and Toronto managed to outscore Dallas 2 – 0 in the second half on a brace from Sebastian Giovinco. Factor in a number of neatly created but missed opportunities, and it’s easy to see that TFC put a mark on the second half. Despite their earlier dominance, it didn’t appear as though Dallas players felt like leaving the pitch in jubilation with their 3 – 2 win. At the hands of Giovinco, their own defence appeared similarly inept.
In the brief time that fans and the media have had to digest this bizarre affair, the natural reaction has been a call for an end to Greg Vanney’s reign as coach. Unfounded rumours have surfaced, with an unnamed Italian manager incoming. Stranger things have happened at Toronto FC and truly, there is no way to predict. There are however, some conclusions that one would admit are glaringly obvious.
Most certainly, Sebastian Giovinco is in a class all his own. His three goals now in the last two games are showing that he is just as lethal as Defoe, far more adaptable than Gilberto, and well ahead of Altidore in resurrecting his career. His two goals in Dallas were nominated for goal of the week by MLS. With the first a well played long ball (delivered by Nick Hagglund) scored on Chris Sietz’s short side after two quick touches, and the second a nifty free kick, they were both creative and cheeky. It may be quickly becoming a matter of how long he is willing to suffer the substandard play of those around him. Toronto FC fans can only hope that he is a kind patient soul who will be kind enough to continue to take the team on his back.
The second reality is that the defence has just not found a way to get the job done. The whole team concept of defensive play has gone south, individual battles are being lost all over the field, and from a systems point of view, out of position, shapeless and disorganized would be accurate descriptors. Not since Ryan Nelsen’s initial go at it, with Caldwell and Laba, and at times some carefully tutored youngsters, has Toronto FC come close to clean sheets. Vanney has been criticized for his higher line system, individuals have been played out of position, injuries and suspensions have tested team depth, and goaltending, in all fairness hasn’t delivered some of the game savers that winning goaltending does. In short, things are tough all over. There is far too often, too much space between the midfield and the backline. There is no Laba to thwart oncoming attacks and Michael Bradley hasn’t always stood out in terms of leadership and as one who can take a game on his back. In some situations, from a midfield pairing standpoint, he even looks difficult to build around.
With seven initial games on the road and losses mounting, things are not looking up right now. Potential losses to upcoming Orlando and Philadelphia will probably send folks reeling. The third reality is that unsettled may very well describe this season throughout. The Gold Cup is just around the corner and with it, the loss of Bradley and Altidore, maybe even Osorio. Undoubtedly, there will be injuries. It will take support, and unprecedented contribution from the rest of the line up if playoff appearances are to be in the cards. It’s as simple as that. While the sample size thus far is small, the Robbie Findlays, Luke Moores, and Daniel Lovitz’s haven’t really impressed as the types to get that job done.
As a matter of perspective, many seem to forget that while this team did bring a much fuller lineup into training camp this year, the round of games played in the preseason were less than impressive. Tempering expectations against loss of players, travel, lack of chemistry, this team may be below expectations, but just barely. Moreover, we are very early in the season, and the potential for turnaround at any point is there. The key may very well be a matter of keeping the situation settled long enough to let the team gel. Vanney, like some of his players, may very well be learning on the job, and by any measure, may very well be the best option as it is. He may need to show some patience and flexibility too.
The greatest challenge is overcoming the psychological challenge of developing confidence and a winning mentality; one that can grind it out in close games and cope with the toughness of a parity-filled league. Whether or not fans decide to show up and support, show up and boo, or not show up at all, the season will go on, and soccer in Toronto will be there to be enjoyed regardless of the outcome. Considering that many leagues throughout Europe do not even have a playoff structure like MLS, many teams are done, long before the season ends. But fans show up and do it for the love of the game, appreciating its beauty. With time, this team will evolve and gel. It may be actually Toronto’s best hope for a professional championship, at least in the short term. Management has put money forward and provided the assets to create success. Other MLS teams are currently doing far better with less.
