Toronto FC had the exact type of game the team, and its fans, needed tonight. After being tactically outmatched against New York City FC last weekend, head coach Greg Vanney got the game plan right, as the Reds picked apart Montreal’s defence by using the wings and play penetrating through balls (often from behind the halfway line) overtop to Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco.
The win was an important one. Before kickoff, Montreal sat just two points behind TFC with a game in hand. The Impact had been grinding out wins this month, with only one loss in their last four games. But a victory tonight for the Reds pushed them four spots ahead of their Canadian rival, into 4th in the Eastern Conference.
The Opening 45
Both teams came out hard, creating half-chances early on. As the game reached 15 minutes, TFC controlled the play, pinning Montreal in their half. The Reds looked almost flawless up until the penalty box, where the final ball was lacking.
A few minutes later, Justin Morrow drew a dangerous free kick near Montreal’s corner flag, from which Giovinco tried a cheeky shot into the short corner. Bush made the save and sent Montreal on the counter attack. A poor challenge from Damien Perquis near the touchline led to a cross being headed out right to the foot of Montreal defender Ambroise Oyongo, who smashed it low into the corner passed an outstretched Chris Konopka.
The goal didn’t strike much life into Montreal though, as TFC continued to buzz around their 18-yard box. Morrow, Warren Creavalle and Giovinco (who finished the first half with seven shots) all came close over the next 10 minutes.
Just before the half hour struck, TFC found their finishing touch. A through ball found Giovinco down the right side, who protected the ball in the bottom corner of the box before sliding it towards the penalty spot for a charging and unmarked Michael Bradley to smash home with his left foot.
Toronto controlled the rest of the first half, with the Impact launching the odd counterattack. The heat of the rivalry also started to show. After an excellent challenge by Perquis that left Marco Donadel rolling on the ground, Bradley pushed on with the ball at his feet while Montreal players yelled at him to kick it out, resulting in some rash challenge.
The Second Half
Montreal strolled back on the field early, huddling quickly then standing around waiting for kickoff. Toronto, on the other hand, ran on a few minutes later — many of the players clapping and hyping each other up, they looked like a team determined to win. And it showed.
The Impact offered very little going forward, and while TFC only managed two shots on target, they both hit the back of the net.
The first came from another high through ball, this time courtesy of Bradley, who, from behind half, picked out a streaking Altidore between to Montreal defenders. The American striker took one touch of his chest and smashed the ball from the top right of the box to the bottom left corner of the goal. He ran screaming towards the crowd, kicking the electronic Adidas advertisement with excitement.
In the 81st minute, TFC put their final nail in the coffin. Giovinco baited Bakary Soumere into sliding at him in the box. And while the defender didn’t get a lot of him, the referee still pointed to the spot. And from there, Giovinco was collected, slotting the ball into the right corner just passed the diving Evan Bush.
This win was a huge boost for morale around the organization. After the final whistle Vanney and the entire team went over to give their appreciation to the fans, who were the loudest they’d been all year. And for good reason. This was one of the most complete, confident games Toronto has played in nine seasons.
Man of the Match
Giovinco
While it’s difficult to choose between the three Designated Players for tonight, it was Giovinco’s passion that shined through. He’s extremely dangerous each time he gets the ball, but what can be overlooked is how much he seems to care. After sending a free kick just over the bar in the first half, he thrashed his arms in the air, physically mad at himself. And when he hit the post off a beautiful setup from Bradley, he was the one chasing it towards the touchline to keep it in. This desire to work for his team and this city is not one we’ve seen much from foreign players.
Beyond the DPs, Perquis and Jonathan Osorio both had stellar games. If it wasn’t Bradley landing long balls at his teammates feet in the final third, it was Perquis, from 50 yards away. And while Osorio just couldn’t find the net, he was a workhorse in the midfield and getting into promising positions.
Toronto FC Line-up
1 Chris Konopka
24 Damien Perquis
15 Eriq Zavaleta
2 Justin Morrow
3 Warren Creavalle
21 Jonathan Osorio
18 Marky Delgado
26 Collen Warner
4 Michael Bradley
17 Jozy Altidore
10 Sebastian Giovincoe
Substitutions: Robbie Findley for Altidore (66); Jay Chapman for Delgado (78); Jackson for Giovinco (87).
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