Toronto FC 1 Philadelphia 1
Toronto have had their chance to save face and earn back respect against three opponents who quite simply humiliated them this season. TFC went from 6-2, 5-0, 4-0 to tighten the reigns and earn their third consecutive 1-1 draw against the teams who dominated them the most.
What is most impressive about leaving Philadelphia stealing a point is that it was done without Danny Koevermans, Julian De Guzman and Terry Dunfield and being able to sub early Torsten Frings and Joao Plata.
It might have taken almost all season, and the price was over fifty goals against and some of the most abject performances ever seen by the team, but the work put in is starting to pay off and the vision of what this team’s potential can be is seen over the horizon.
Depth is emerging as the Reds were able to rely upon players such as Milos Kocic, Andy Iro, Eric Avila and Nick Soolsma all proved they can be counted on to take on the top half of the table.
It started at the back, and specifically between the posts, as Milos Kocic continues to improve on a solid run of results and on this afternoon took it to the level only seen through Stefan Frei. With Frings anchoring the sweeper position, both Ty Harden and Andy Iro looked comfortable and confident defending, and save for a poor decision from Harden, that triumverate continues to be the key to Toronto’s results.
The return of Joao Plata meant another dimension returned to the attack as they were able to enter Philadelphia’s end with pace and determination. Ryan Johnson did not impose himself for ninety minutes, but did the work when he needed to and his goal off a well fought cross from Nick Soolsma kept Philadephia honest to the final whistle.
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
Kocic is growing with each match and put in a standout performance that kept the result in TFC’s favour for the entire ninety. Had a hand (or foot) in LeToux’s opener, and distribution still is not perfect, but his shot stopping and command of his area was excellent. The three big saves in the second half between the 57th and 67th minute were paramount stealing points.
Ashtone Morgan – 6
Can’t be surprised now when Morgan puts in a solid game at both ends as it is becoming expected given some strong displays against top opposition. On this afternoon was strong on the overlap, and while he was in tough for pace against substitute McInerney, never looked like was out of sorts against the likes of LeToux, Adu et al.
Andy Iro – 6
It’s games like these that throw a wrench in the idea of signing a new centre back and moving Frings to the midfield. With a sweeper in place, Iro has improved drastically since first arriving and against a tough team with a potent offence like Philadelphia Iro never was out of place. Marked well in the box and 1v1, and even when he pushed forward carrying the ball, showed no clumsiness and maintained possession.
Torsten Frings– 6
It was only fifty-three minutes, but Frings made his mark and demonstrated the chasm in technique and experience he possesses. Any other player carrying the ball out of back with pressure coming his way would make supporters hold their breath, but Frings feints once, feints twice and at no point will he ever be dispossessed, or turn the ball over. His long ball to Plata around the 22nd minute, well, throws a wrench in the idea above that proves Frings could be a dominant influence creating in the midfield.
Ty Harden – 5.5
While it cannot be denied Harden made a mistake in keeping Kocic’s errant pass in play as there was no support to close it down, aside from this one tragic moment, Harden put in another solid, all-business display. A long, consistent run of playing time has paid dividends as Harden has become a reliable component of the back line. Even with an injection of skill and athleticism down the stretch in Danny Mwanga, Harden was superb in shutting down two good potential chances that could have changed the result.
Doneil Henry – 5
It was a tough game for Henry who clearly was lacking the necessary experience to play at right back, and take on the kind of attackers Philadelphia possess. The match-up of veteran versus rookie in Henry v Mapp went almost exclusively Mapp’s way as he easily was able to penetrate and find ways to create on this side of the field. Not a match to be discouraged on his potential, but just one to learn from and move on.
Matt Stinson – 5.5
Back in the midfield, Stinson went about his business and put forth what is becoming expected, which is doing the dirty work through a gritty performance. Still gaining valuable experience, the 19-year old looks every bit that he belongs as a starter and will be an important piece in 2012.
Eric Avila – 5.5
While he was unable to cash in on any of his chances, Avila brings pace and a strong attacking mentality that is critical to balancing out the offence. Did well carrying the ball into the final third and passing the ball, as well as linking up with the likes of Plata and Soolsma.
Nick Soolsma – 6
Another one of these performances, like Houston at home, where he is able to find success down the wing through deceptive pace, feints and commitment to crossing the ball in. For every criticism sent his way, on this afternoon, Soolsma did well to be a threat on the right side taking the ball deep or cutting in to have a go on goal.
Joao Plata – 5.5
While there is no contending the level of his technique, pace and overall creativity, there still appears to be the glaring issue of trying to do it on his own too often. A handful of attacks where he turned the ball over trying to do it all, could have been maintained had he either released a shot or passed it off sooner. It might sound harsh, as aside from this one criticism, his outings would near flawlessness because every other component of his game, such as pace, creativity and commitment are at a very high level.
Ryan Johnson – 6
Showed up when he needed to and put in a Koevermans-like goal to help earn the draw. Looked a bit more lively than some of his absent performances over the last month, but after a lengthy break would have expected to see more of his pace and physical potential on display. Consistency continues to be the question for Johnson as goals cure everything, but a more complete ninety minutes would go a long way to taking the team from a draw to a possible win.
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