It took 7 years and approximately $100 million, but it finally happened.
In front of an announced crowd of 22,591 at BMO Field, Toronto FC, led by all 3 designated players, won their 2nd straight game of the season setting a franchise record for the best start to an MLS season. It may not sound like much, but considering it was just 2 short seasons ago that TFC started the campaign 0-9, this is a bloody big deal.
The buzz was certainly in the air throughout downtown Toronto as there were multiple supporters marches to the stadium, all culminating in a goose bump inducing fanrendition of ‘O Canada’ to kick off the match. Supporter’s groups in all sections were in full voice as expected, so much so that Jermain Defoe is quoted as saying “it’s one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in.”
Saturday’s match was the very first time Toronto’s starting XI featured all 3 new DP’s, and for stretches of the match, it showed. Some miscommunication and a few sloppy passes we’re par for the course. However, even though the chemistry is still lacking after just two games, the quality of Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley, Gilberto and even Julio Cesar have never questioned.
It was DC United who controlled the better portion of possession throughout and dictated the pace for the better part of the match. That may have been the case, but there were very few, if any, real scoring threats from the DC attack. Eddie Johnson was fairly invisible and Fabian Espindola, opting to be a pest rather than aid his partner in attack, didn’t provide much at all.
Nick DeLeon seemed to be the most impressive player for DC leading many of the attacks up the pitch and having a strong performance overall. DC’s defenders held a strong line for majority of the match proving difficult to breakdown.
It was Jermain Defoe again who stole the spot light on Saturday afternoon by burying his 3rd goal in two matches on a play that involved all 3 DP’s and the all-star goalkeeper.
A restart by Cesar ended up at the feet of Michael Bradley in the centre circle, who then played a lovely ball to the surging Gilberto on the wing who broke into the DC box. A shot from the Brazilian was stopped by DC keeper Bill Hamid but to his terror, the ball landed at the feet of Defoe who made no mistake about where his shot would go. Supporter’s responded to this goal by throwing fake dollar bills into the air in celebration, “making it rain” all over the south end.
Defoe could have easily had a hatrick or better in this match as the chances for him piled up early. A shot was barely saved by the leg of Hamid, another chip ended up bouncing off the post then out, followed by another shot from close range requiring another save. As the season progresses and Defoe becomes even more accustomed to the style of soccer in MLS, we may be witnessing a golden boot performance by the English international thatcould very well warrant a call up to the England squad at the World Cup.
Michael Bradley was an absolute animal in the midfield, terrorizing any and every DC player who even touched the ball. Not even the poorly positioned ref who was bowled over or a head on head collision with Davy Arnaud could slow him down. After receiving sometreatment and 13 staples in the side of his head, Bradley was a force. He’s a warrior and the fans are starting to fall in love with his work ethic and ferocity.
Toronto’s backline, anchored as usual by Steven Caldwell and Doneil Henry was stable and did not crack at any point. The young Henry continues to silence those critics who felt he was still too young and inexperienced. He will be a shining star for TFC and Canada for years to come, barring a move to Europe, which I’m sure will be in his future.
The weakest link this match would have to be the wing play of Jackson, who picked up his 2nd yellow card in as many games, relegating him to the press box for TFC’s next game away at Salt Lake. Wayward passes, miscommunication, and a tendency to hold on to the balltoo long, then lose possession have plagued him and will need to be addressed should he hope to have a successful season. The same can be said of Alvaro Rey at times, who’s only real saving grace is his ability in 1v1 situations.
The final score being only 1-0 was not indicative of the match as it could have easily been much worse for Ben Olsen’s boys. DC continues to lack a real play making central attacker while Chris Pontius is still injured andwith Luis Silva having yet to assert himself as DC’s go-to-guy.
Looking forward to next weekend at Rio Tinto, TFC will take on the MLS runner’s up from just a season ago, but with Joao Plata suffering an injury in Real Salt Lake’s match this past Saturday, the their attack will be significantly slowed. TFC’s perfect start will be put to the test, but team’s like Salt Lake and Seattle are the team’s these Reds will need to beat should they have any ambition of being cup contenders. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. TFC knows what they have to do, but can they do it?
(image courtesy of Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
