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Playoff-bound Toronto FC (let that sink in) are now looking to establish a top spot in the Eastern Conference as they prepare to host rivals Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon. The Reds are soaring after a statement-making 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night that showed both determination and a flash of brilliance to secure passage into the post-season for the first time ever. However, just making it beyond the last match of the regular season is not enough and ensuring Toronto does not slip out of a Conference semi-final position, as well as home field advantage, should be the priority over the next two games. With players getting a bit more time to rest, but also a huge boost of confidence, it should be a solid display to ensure TFC are ahead of the pack in the playoff picture.
Keep thinking
One hopefully can be forgiven for not circling Wednesday night's fixture as the one that would send TFC into their first playoff appearance ever. The Red Bulls came to BMO having already soundly beaten the side and Toronto have often been less than convincing against the top half of the league. What supporters saw was some similarities to the effort away to Seattle, but with Giovinco ready to go off the bench, a much needed punch to see through all three points.
Greg Vanney did well with what he had and much credit has to be given to Toronto who could not rely on Giovinco and Michael Bradley to carry the load as they have done for most of the season. Instead, Benoit Cheyrou continued to be an anchor as a holding midfielder, while Jonathan Osorio did not shy away from asserting himself in an attacking midfield role and moving the ball effectively and putting himself in scoring positions. Vanney's 4-5-1 was the right solution to New York's superior midfield that kept stifling opportunities. At the other end, Hercules Gomez did as advertised and put in a gritty display where he finished his chance to create a lead.
Finally, what else can be said about Giovinco that hasn't been marveled throughout 2015? Aside from his skillset, the attitude has been absolutely top notch and to arrive from Rome and within hours be on the bench ready to play is a massive testament to him as a player and teammate. While it might not have sunk in quite yet for all TFC supporters, it is fitting that it was Giovinco's goal, and the manner in which it was scored, that will and should go down as one of, if not the most important one in club history.
While it is undoubtedly a time for celebration, Greg Vanney and the Reds still have some work to do. Now sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, this would be an ideal position to maintain and use to make a statement they are legitimate MLS Cup contenders. It will begin Saturday against the Columbus Crew who, despite losing back to back games, are still a dangerous opponent and a rival like Montreal where form and position in the table means nothing as both teams have extra motivation to win the game.
TFC have been a big story in 2015, but Columbus have also had a notable campaign with key players emerging a legitimate MLS stars. All TFC supporters are well aware of the Crew's connection to top Argentine talent, and Frederico Higuain has been the heart of their side for a couple years now. However, the return of Kei Kamara has been a revelation and the biggest reason why they are sitting tied for third in the East. Kamara, tied with Giovinco for leading scored with 22 goals, but most notable none from the penalty spot, will be the player to watch for the Reds.
But it is not just the attack of the Crew, which also has support from the physical Justin Meram, but a solid midfield that will offer some of the problems New York brings to the table. Higuain has already been mention, but Ethan Finlay has emerged this season as a top playmaker, also sitting behind Giovinco for assists with 11. A player who might have been an interesting long-term project for Toronto, Toni Tchani, has begun to fulfill his promise as an early draft pick and scored a handful on the season. To anchor the Crew, an matchup to monitor will be former top MLS defender, Michael Parkhurst. Overall, the Crew deserve to be where they are in the table and a win at BMO would go a long way in improving their final position.
Toronto have looked better against Columbus over the last two seasons, so Greg Vanney need not worry about the lengthy streak the Crew held over TFC. However, he will need to consider the fitness of Giovinco as well as Michael Bradley. Both players take TFC to another level and to put the best side possible on the pitch over the last two games, both players will need to be in top form. With Jozy Altidore out with a red card, what was a pleasant surprise was Hercules Gomez scoring against New York and offers some confidence in finishing in front of goal. The defence is still Toronto's biggest question mark, but of late Josh Williams has settled in and played well beside Damian Perquis and Ahmed Kantari. Even the oft maligned Jackson appears to right now be the best option at right back.
What was most notable from the New York win, and what Vanney will need to duplicate for Saturday, was a cohesive effort from TFC. There were no passengers and it was convincing that every player was pulling in the same direction towards the goal of being a better side, especially against a top team. It won't be about skill but instilling discipline and determination. If every player is in the same headspace as seen midweek, Toronto should be sitting in a strong position for the final regular season match of the season.
In the end
TFC are buoyed with confidence for several reasons. Most obvious is making the playoffs for the first time ever, but also from riding a four game winning streak, the most recent win against the top side in MLS, the New York Red Bulls. The win midweek bucked the trend of TFC only being able to beat the bottoms sides in the league and should give them an added boost when the face another top Eastern Conference rival, the Columbus Crew. The Crew are having a solid season and within points of leaping over Toronto, a team also winning on the back of a lethal goal scorer and several other key contributing players. Greg Vanney's task is not difficult with little time to prepare, in that keeping the confidence high, and instilling further determination that the job is not done despite qualifying for the playoffs, should be what is needed for Toronto to keep hold of second place.
Prediction
Toronto FC 3-2 Columbus Crew
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