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Toronto FC 1 – 0 New England Revolution
See TFC's ratings from their last three results
Toronto FC 3 – 2 Vancouver
Toronto FC 0 – 3 Philadelphia
Toronto FC 1 – 1 FC Dallas
It’s hard to now deny that Toronto FC are much improved since Paul Mariner has come on board and a 1-0 win over New England further proves while it might not always be pretty to watch, the results speak for themselves. Going into a stadium they had never won in, and against a team who should have been significantly fresher and more prepared, Toronto took the lead and were finally able to hold on for all three points.
Luis Silva has now scored in back to back games and his opener/winner was slotted in nicely via a nice give and go with Danny Koevermans. The big target man was finally getting his all around game in full swing and went down with an injury in the 40th minute. If early reports are anything to go on, it sounds like ligament damage, which could spell the end for his season.
While that spells doom for TFC offence, it also does for the defence as lately scoring has been the only way Toronto have been able to stand toe to toe with opposition. However, on Saturday night the backline, but especially the two centrebacks Richard Eckersley and Logan Emory were able to punch out with no blood on their hands.
This is mostly because of Milos Kocic who had another outstanding display of shot stopping and instinctual reflexes that kept out two sure goals in the final third of the game. The last two results for TFC have been a breathe of fresh air in that for once it appears luck has been on their side and they are getting the breaks that have eluded them for most of the season.
Heading into a midweek game, against Colorado who have struggled at BMO Field, TFC could head into a mini-league break on a nice run. Houston comes to town at the end of the month and Toronto could be on their best streak since early summer 2010.
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:
MOTM Milos Kocic - 7.5
Finally a match where Kocic’s standout saves are able to be rewarded at the final whistle. Not very busy in the first half, but with the team bunkering down in the second half had to be sharp on countless corner kicks and set pieces around the 18 yard box. Made two absolutely outstanding saves to preserve the clean sheet down the stretch and secure another road win for TFC.
Doneil Henry – 5.5
While it wasn’t his best performance, it was a good game for experience where he got to match up with a formidable foe in Sene, and learn what it’s like to go toe to toe with a top level attacker. Still has learning to do, in terms of where he’s committing fouls and timing challenges, but with nothing finding the back of the net, a performance to keep building off of.
Richard Eckersley – 5.5
A decent game in the middle, and even though most are checking the news each day to see when CB reinforcements will arrive, Eckerlsey continues to provide adequate coverage and improve each game. Still does not have enough experience to be the number one, but is making strong challenges each match and cutting back on mental lapses where he drifts back into his natural position.
Logan Emory – 5
Still looks a step off, but cannot lay any blame on this night where he was able to go unpunished through the middle or in the air thanks to some fine goalkeeping and kept New England from finding too much space to get a shot on goal.
Ashtone Morgan – 5.5
His offensive contributions continue to be his strength as Morgan has been in fine form overlapping down the wing and putting some nice deliveries into the area. Continues to show some more physical elements of his defensive game and is steadily progressing as he gets the nod each week.
Terry Dunfield - 5.5
Not quite as tidy as midweek against Vancouver or some of his recent games, but has kept performing well since becoming the first choice pairing with Frings. On this night, once again had some frustrating turnovers, but made some good challenges and covered a lot of ground working box to box.
Torsten Frings – 6
Wasn’t able to follow up his last match with the same influence offensively, but made up for it through defending and distribution where he had a solid game. Still is not as prominent a part of midfield as seen under Winter, but as the exclusive set piece taker is able to keep showing his technique through excellent deliveries into the 18 yard box.
Luis Silva – 6.5
Two games in a row finding the back of the net, Silva has shown nice technique to direct the ball where it needs to go. All three goals he’s scored have required accuracy and his opener, on the give and go with Koevermans, and finish, was sublime. With Koevermans out, Toronto will need Silva to continue his touch around the goal.
Reggie Lambe – 5.5
Another quiet game for Lambe who hasn’t been able to be in the right place for a few weeks, but has been creative with the ball on his feet and able to draw defenders onto him and release his teammates. His work on the opening goal was critical to the build up and had a few other moments showing off his dribbling skills.
Ryan Johnson – 5.5
Continues to deliver the work ethic required up top, just another game where he was unable to stay onside or direct the ball into goal. Had his shots and tried to stretch the defenders, but it was one of those nights where nothing quite clicked to get the finish.
Danny Koevermans – 6
Simply put, if he is out it will be devastating for the rest of the season. Koevermans is finally in form, and not just in terms of finishing. Is now in sync with his teammates, his touch on point as seen with the flick on to Silva, and is also improving his timing on runs. A few breakaways could have been better on goal, and the second one is the culprit on his injury – we will wait and hope nothing is torn.
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