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The Good
Some improvements for a team still learning how to play
Performance-Enhancing Earnshaw
The sheer energy that Robert Earnshaw has, at his age, is unbelievable. This is a forward who does not tire for 90 minutes. His hustle spurred the entire team on for the second half and brought about the makings of a come-from-behind equalizer, but fate had other plans on the day. Earnshaw and Toronto FC kept the pressure up, didn’t waver in their convictions to find a pair of goals, and almost pulled level, too.
The Brilliant Bostock
In a league devoid of many threats on the wings, John Bostock is, perhaps, one of the most dangerous players on the field, if his early performances in a red shirt are any indication. Bostock’s first touch is class, and his ability to get around a fullback is definitely a valuable asset. His ability to find Earnshaw wasn’t as effective, but Hogan Ephraim linked up between the pair well enough to compensate.
Paint the Town Red!
In a crowd of 37,000 at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Toronto FC fans accounted for as much as 5000 supporters, filling one of the corners with red shirts and scarves. The number completely shatters Major League Soccer’s away supporter record and puts Toronto FC’s fans back on top – your move, Cascadians!
The Bad
Poor midfielders and even poorer set pieces leave something to be desired
Middle of the Park
While Terry Dunfield has all the heart that makes him a good ol’ Canadian boy (and a fan-favourite), he is simply not a starter. Jeremy Hall has performed better than anyone’s expectations in midfield and has also proven himself as a midfield option, but, again, he’s not a starter. Reggie Lambe may be a speed-burning winger but he’s not a starter. Up to four new players are coming to Toronto FC – please be starters.
Leftback Woes
For the last two seasons, Ashtone Morgan has been the talk of the town at Toronto FC. His performances after graduating from the TFC Academy have been both consistent and competent. However, his play as of late has been lacking, especially defensively, and Morgan needs to start focusing on his responsibilities on the backline or risk losing the spot to Richard Eckersley or Darel Russell.
No More Floaters
Luis Silva was much needed today on set pieces. Though the chances were many, every single ball was floated into the box, or over hit completely. There was no directness in the free kick, which is an art form itself. Silva can find a pass from a dead ball, and had he been on the field, perhaps Toronto FC would have capitalized on one of their chances.
The Ugly
It’s a long drive home down Highway 401 from Montreal
There’s a certain sting that comes from losing to the Montreal Impact.
Toronto FC’s loyal following showed up in massive, record-breaking numbers to support their club, but saw, instead, a blue-tinted fantasy that the Reds have never been able to capture. In almost every way, Montreal has succeeded where Toronto FC has failed.
Stade Saputo may not have the charm (and national team rights) that BMO Field does, but it’s still a pretty football-friendly ground. The chance to play at the Olympic Stadium mimics Toronto’s Rogers Centre initiative.
Joey Saputo has formed a team with a distinct image. His Italian core separates the Impact from the rest of MLS. It’s an international-fuelled project that seems to have worked, unlike Johnston’s British brigade or Winter’s Dutch dream. Montreal has perfected the art of signing international players. Toronto FC has not.
In Patrice Bernier, Montreal has found their Julian de Guzman, except Bernier actually commands the midfield; In Marco Di Vaio, Montreal has found their Danny Koevermans, except Di Vaio is staying healthy on turf; In Felipe, Montreal found their Brazilian attacking midfield star, something Trader Mo never did (though his numerous trips to Brazil certainly promised to).
The comparisons are endless, but the end result is always the same:
The Montreal Impact is the realized potential that Toronto FC once had. The Impact is what Toronto FC should have been.
Toronto FC fans got a chance to see all that – and more – in Montreal.
Quoteworthy
“We’re learning all the time. I thought a majority of the team really stood up today. But, you’re right, we’ve got to throw in 90-minute performances week in and week out. That’s what we’re striving to do. Forty-five minutes isn’t good enough.” – Ryan Nelsen
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