Toronto FC 0 – 1 Vancouver Whitecaps
The more things change, the more they stay the same for Toronto FC. With expectations at an all-time low, a 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on the road, does not sting like it might have a season or two in the past. Ryan Nelsen must realize he’s got his work cut out for him to find ways to win games as the team showed glimpses of potential but at first sight the quality might be lacking to come away with results.
The opening forty-five was positive for Toronto as they were able to push forward and dictate the game in the midfield and get newcomer Robert Earnshaw involved. Earnshaw was one of the bright spots in the match as he was busy buzzing around the Whitecaps defenders bringing pressure and finding ways to get space for chances around goal.
The second half, and ensuing game-winning goal was and should continue to be expected against teams who are not going through the same turnover as TFC this season. With so many new faces in the line-up, two of which arrived this week, cohesiveness will be lacking and let down Toronto’s ability to remain disciplined for ninety minutes.
If there were encouraging signs outside of Earnshaw’s early performance, it was a defensive corps. that for the most part bent, but did not break, and of course Kyle Bekker looking more than comfortable patrolling the midfield.
The question that remains is can this current group, with more familiarity and practice, develop into a more potent group? Is this the team that will keep TFC from finishing bottom of the table? That would seem unlikely and a few players from Saturday’s game will need to take advantage of the next few games to stake their claim or will find themselves on the bench, or out of Toronto all together.
The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.
Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:
Joe Bendik – 5.5
A good showing from Bednick, who appears to be a more than capable of filling in the sizeable boots of Stephan Frei. Vancouver did not offer much in the first half, but Bednick was on point in the second half with a nice outstretched save on Rochat’s free kick and cannot be blamed for the winner as the Whitecaps where allowed to bring the ball within fifteen yards of goal.
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Richard Eckersley – 5.5
Finally back into his natural position at right back, Eckersley should be able to offer more of his strengths, while cutting back on defensive mistakes. His signature overlap down the right side was on display the entire match and right to the end he was able to drive to Vancouver’s touchline and win corner kicks for TFC.
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Darren O’Dea – 5.5
Highs and lows for O’Dea who has a tendency to be pulled out of position, as seen in the goal from Koffie, but still offers something going forward and he’s always game to join the attack and showed beautiful touch on the long overhead ball to Earnshaw that landed perfectly onto the feet of the striker.
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Danny Califf – 5.5
None of the preseason concerns were visible as he was fit and ready through the entire match. Speed was not an issue on this afternoon, even with the likes of Mattocks and Manneh, Califf’s partnership with O’Dea looks capable for the time being.
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Ashtone Morgan – 5
A new season for Morgan who needs to develop the defensive side of his game to become a more complete left back for TFC. Still showed that he can be a threat bombing down the left flank and curl in a cross, and against a youthful attack was not beaten by experience as seen last year. Had some long ball turnovers throughout the second half where it might have been a better option to try and keep possession on the ground.
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Jeremy Hall – 4.5
Without question having Hall in the midfield is a much better fit than on the backline, where he was exposed defensively almost every week. Still has some moments of poor turnovers, and disappeared for stretches of the game. Hall’s strengths are being able to join the attack, as he is capable of finding goal, but came up short in this regard Saturday afternoon.
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Terry Dunfield – 5.5
What has begun to become the standard, consistent, performance for Dunfield was on display against Vancouver. While he has some cheap turnovers and rash challenges resulting in yellows, still shows calm on the ball, is the lynchpin in the middle who is able to keep the ball moving to his teammates and was able to even come close to heading a chance on goal in the second half.
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Kyle Bekker – 6
A very positive opening game for Bekker who looked very mature holding down the centre of the midfield and as the game progressed grew in confidence. His prowess for free kicks came up short in the second half, but he was more integral in Toronto’s attempt to push forward and find a final chance on goal. Time will tell if he’s able to continue his small sample size of good form, as it will be needed through these tough opening weeks.
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Reggie Lambe – 5
One who has been targeted as his days potentially being numbered, Lambe will need to step up further if he is not to become another casualty of the 2011 and 2012 rosters. He did show some good interplay with Earnshaw and Bekker, but was unable to find the final pass or shot on goal. With a gap in the attack, the opportunity there for Lambe to stake a claim and he’ll have to deliver if he’s to remain in the starting eleven.
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Hogan Ephraim – 5
Not a bad first display from Ephraim, who took quite a while to appear in this match as it was almost a third in before he began to get touches with consistency. Couldn’t deliver anything threatening but looked like he has potential 1v1 cutting in. With a midfield set up like it was Saturday, needs to provide more width to create space for the likes of Bekker and Dunfield.
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Robert Earnshaw – 5.5
Perhaps the brightest light in the first half, with little to go on from what he could offer in MLS at 32, his willingness to run all game gives hope there is potential he could become an asset. His pace was on display and it caused havoc for Vancouver’s defenders as he had several chances on and around goal. Might not be the best option as the lone target and Ryan Nelsen will need to find an approach that can better take advantage of his speed other than a target far up top alone in the wilderness.
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