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On a chilly day at the Kia Training Centre, Toronto FC, led by Fran O’Leary, prepare to take on its most bitter rivals, the Montreal Impact. The final game of the season could see Toronto play spoilers and ruin Montreal’s playoff chances entirely. A win over Montreal would put the onus on other results in the Eastern Conference, a chance that Toronto’s Jeremy Hall is looking forward to exposing.
RedNation Online caught up with Hall, who was excited at the possibility of spoiling Montreal’s entire season. Hall didn’t hold back, saying:
“We are all excited! Not only do we have that chance, but it’s a big rival for us and they beat us a couple times during the year so we want to finish on a high and go into the offseason with a win over Montreal and letting them watch the playoffs like we will be.”
“From home?” I asked.
“Yeah, exactly!”
Fighting words from a TFC midfielder, who also spoke about the season that was for Toronto FC. In a rough 2013 season, Hall stood out as a consistent and reliable option in midfield. When asked which moment stood out the most for him this season, Hall lamented on the many missed chances and dropped points.
“Man, it’s tough. I thought we played well during the year, it’s just those last few minutes. That, to me, stands out,” said Hall. “At the beginning of the season, we were just dropping a lot of points and a lot of games where, if we picked those points up, it would determine what place we’d be for a playoff spot. I think that’s what hurt us in the second half of the season, so hopefully next year we’ll be able to put those games away.”
This season brought about plenty of coaching changes again, with Ryan Nelsen taking charge at Toronto FC. Hall reflected on Nelsen’s first year as head coach and praised his manager for his professionalism.
“From day one, everything just seemed so professional,” said Hall. “Not that it hasn’t in the past, but everything was organized, our training sessions were planned and before we were on the pitch, we knew what was going to happen. Everything was thought through. Our video sessions were in depth and great, and we were prepared for every game.”
“It’s just the way he holds himself, the way that everything felt so professional, was very good to see,” said Hall.
As for his own personal goals, Hall was pleased with his new role at the club but also had a few more objectives of his own for next season.
“You know, it’s hard to say,” said Hall. “I was playing in a new position that I thought I did okay in during the year. I’m very hard on myself, so I know I can definitely get better. It’s something I’m going to work on in the offseason, to take better care of my body and get a little bit fitter, and work on the different movements as a centre mid.”
“I’m just a person who comes in plays and fights every day, at practice and every game, and give my all for the team. No matter what position I’m in, that’s what I’m going to do for the team,” said Hall.
When asked what Toronto FC needs in order to succeed next season, Hall said:
“The biggest thing is just keeping the core,” said Hall. “I think we have a lot of good players and we’ve talked about it, the foundation is on the pitch right now. Obviously we need some players but if we can keep the same core and everybody just comes in with the same mentality as we did this year, to fight and finish these games off, we’re going to be a really tough team to beat.”
There has been plenty of talk of a new pair of Designated Players at the club. Rumoured names include Alberto Gilardino, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermaine Defoe. Hall welcomes the competition, though.
“Well, I think we need some guys who can consistently put the ball into the back of the net,” said Hall. “I think what we have here is good but obviously every position you can add and build competition in every position because that brings out the best in everyone. The coaches know what they’re doing, they know what we need the most, but like I said, everyone from defenders, midfielders and forwards need to compete for every spot in the starting 11.”
With Montreal’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance in its second year of existence, and Vancouver having already made the MLS post season, there is a certain “our turn” element for next season. Hall was confident of his team’s chances next season, but was also upset with the results of this year.
“Yeah, it’s definitely frustrating,” said Hall. “But, every place is different. I feel like right now with Tim Leiweke and Tim Bezbatchenko coming in, and with Ryan, we have some consistency and they have their goals and know what they want to do for the team going forward. Obviously it’s been a long time since we’ve had a winning year but everyone’s confident we can do it next year.”
As for his plans for the offseason, Hall offered these warm words of comforts for Torontonians!
“I’ll be here until American Thanksgiving, the last Thursday of November,” said Hall. “I’ll be here working out and from then I’ll go back to Tampa and just work out back home and enjoy the warm weather while you guys are here in the snow!”
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