While an unbalanced league schedule means that Toronto have played significantly fewer matches than many of the other clubs in Major League Soccer, generally the end of the month of June represents the half way mark for the North American top flight.
With that milestone in mind, RedNation takes a look at how the players of Toronto FC have performed to date in what has generally been an exciting and successful four months of professional soccer for a Reds side that looks to have finally found a winning formula after many years of struggling.
Sebastian Giovinco A+
The Atomic Ant has been everything and more that TFC supporters could have hoped for. In addition to the offensive productivity (goals, assists) that has been a vital component of Toronto’s winning ways, Giovinco has been a breath of fresh air with respect to the positive energy and team spirit he has brought to the club following last season’s sour experience with Jermain Defoe. Furthermore, Toronto as a city has not had such an exceptionally talented and entertaining player so genuinely deserving of the price of a ticket since the heyday of Vince Carter with the Toronto Raptors.
Jozy Altidore A
While the American International has not been the most durable player in his short tenure, it is hard to argue against the simple fact that he has delivered the requisite goalscoring while also linking up well with Giovinco and Michael Bradley in particular. Altidore never looks like he is breaking a sweat out there, but he has consistently broken through and scored goals that have broken the back of the opposition.
Justin Morrow A
Toronto’s most consistent player in 2014 has continued his fine form this season and has again been one of TFC’s top players in the first several months of 2015. In addition to being an incredibly consistent and sound defensive player, Morrow has displayed exceptional adaptability in switching from his preferred left back position to the right fullback spot, where he has continued to thrive as an All Start quality two-way player.
Ashtone Morgan A
The Canadian International has been the most pleasant surprise to come from the first several months of what is looking like a breakthrough season for both the player and his club. After not playing under previous Head Coach Ryan Nelsen, Morgan has arguably been TFC’s most consistently good player under Greg Vanney. The TFC Academy Graduate has been rock solid defensively and has meshed with Toronto’s Designated Players as a key offensive constributor.
Benoît Cheyrou A
In addition to being an absolute treat to watch play, the veteran Frenchman has been the key midfield presence that has allowed all of his teammates to function in optimum fashion in their defined roles. With exceptional passing ability, world class technique and top level football intelligence, the 34 year old has expertly shielded the back four while being a key transition piece from defense to offense. With a goal and four assists to his credit, Cheyrou has also delivered the goods on the scoresheet.
Damien Perquis A
After a bit of a rough start in his first few MLS matches, Perquis has proven to have been a fantastic addition to TFC’s back line corps. The veteran central defender has lead the back four effectively while showing exceptional passing skills from the back. The Poland International has also added some much needed sandpaper and intensity to a Toronto squad consisting of quality citizens and nice guys.
Michael Bradley B+
Since finally finding his ideal role at the top of Toronto’s midfield, TFC’s team captain has been one of the team’s best players. Finally unhampered by the desire to do it all while covering every inch of the pitch, Bradley has been one of the best two-way midfielders in the league. With his forceful runs and his ability to link up exceptionally well with Giovinco and Altidore in particular, the U.S. International now looks to be well on his way back to the truly awesome form he showed in his first few games with TFC last season. All of that said, Bradley is docked half a grade for the poor form he has shown on dead balls and with respect to his shooting.
Jonathan Osorio B+
After a bit of muted start to the season, the Canadian International has now established himself as a key player under Greg Vanney. In addition to doing fine defensive work, Osorio’s technical ability and exceptional passing have been key ingredients in Toronto’s success to date. Look for the talented 23 year old midfielder to add more goals and assists to his impressive mix of qualities in the second half of the season.
Collen Warner B+
The 27 year midfielder has been a fine “glue guy” midfielder on a superstar laden squad, with his consistent play often allowing TFC’s big names to deliver the flashy play that has gotten the supporters out of their seats.
Chris Konopka B+
The long time backup keeper has delivered a fine run of performances since stepping into the starting lineup in place of the injured Joe Bendik. Konopka has been steady while making key saves and commanding his box quite well.
Eriq Zavaleta B+
The former Chivas USA has done a fine job while filling a major hole in Toronto’s starting eleven in the heart of central defense. While he has had a few shaky moments in which his inexperience has shown, overall, Zavaleta deserves plenty of credit for his role in TFC’s improved defensive performances following a shaky start.
Joe Bendik B
Prior to the injury that has kept him out of the lineup for an extended stretch, Bendik consistently delivered quality performances in which his shot stopping was good while his distribution was less than ideal.
Jay Chapman B
The Brampton, Ontario born midfielder has played limited minutes but has not looked out of place as TFC Head Coach Greg Vanney has brought him along slowly in his rookie campaign.
Marco Delgado B
The United States U20 International has been impressive in limited performances so far. Delgado has been positionally sound and defensively responsible while linking up well with his teammates.
Luke Moore B
The mercurial backup striker had several positive moments and he delivered the 1 goal and 3 assists in limited minutes. Overall, while he was invisible for many stretches of matches while sometimes looking like a player who does not want to be in Toronto, Moore has generally done a good job as a role player and backup striker.
Warren Creavalle C+
It has been a Jeykll and Hyde season for Creavalle to date, with the 24 year old looking quite good when played as a midfielder, but almost completely out of his depth positionally when deployed at right back.
Nick Hagglund C
The likeable 22 year old central defender has to date been unable to build on the strong rookie season he had in 2014.
Jackson C
Toronto FC’s most erratic player has played very little to date and is very overpaid for what he has brought so far as a little used spot starter and second half substitute.
Robbie Findley D+
The veteran forward has to be classified as the biggest disappointmentof the first half of the season. He has brought very little to the Toronto attack and has at times been a defensive liability when played as a wide midfielder. The former Real Salt Lake stalwart will likely need to great improve in July if Toronto are to maintain their winning ways in July with Jozy Altidore away at the Gold Cup.
Bright Dike N/A
Daniel Lovitz N/A
Steven Caldwell N/A
Mark Bloom N/A
Clément Simonin N/A
Greg Vanney B+
After a shaky start to his first full season as an MLS Head Coach, Greg Vanney deserves plenty of credit for the manner in which he has managed a talented team often beset by injuries to key players, not to mention a brutal seven game road trip to start the season.
Tim Bezbachenko B+
While some would say that the TFC General Manager deserves plenty of plaudits purely for bringing Giovinco to Toronto, his offseason signings of Benoît Cheyrou and Damien Perquis have been equally as important to the success that the Reds have enjoyed to date. All of that said, given the offseason acquisition of the underperforming Robbie Findley and the continued low return that Jackson brings in relation to his salary, Bezbachenko has not been completely perfect with respect to his roster construction.
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