EIGHT MONTHS, 34 GAMES, 53 POINTS
Toronto FC set a regular season franchise record by beating the Chicago Fire 3-2 on Sunday night at BMO Field for a confidence boost at the perfect time. After the team's first win in six games, attention turns to an historic moment in the club’s history. TFC will make their first ever home playoff appearance on Wednesday night in a knock-out game against the Philadelphia Union (Kickoff 7:30pm).
“Winning gives you a good feeling,” said head coach Greg Vanney after Sunday’s game. “The guys have been talking about the playoffs since pre-season. I know they’re excited to start.”
On MLS decision day, New York City FC dealt with the challenge of Columbus Crew, winning 4-1 at home, meaning Toronto finished where they started the day, in third place. Philadelphia finished their regular season campaign with a 2-0 loss at home to Eastern Conference table toppers New York Red Bulls to finish just inside the red line. TFC and the Union last met a month ago, drawing 1-1 at BMO Field and the Reds beat them 3-1 on the road in August.
“It’s hard to take regular season into account too much,” said Vanney. “It comes down to managing the moment and dealing with the increase in intensity. Making sure on the night you’re up for it.”
GOALS AND SETTING GOALS
Toronto were certainly prepared to fight on Sunday, storming back from a goal down thanks to a Sebastian Giovinco penalty at the end of the first half, a close-range header from left-back goal machine Justin Morrow and a sublime jink and finish from Jonathan Osorio.
Giovinco, league leader in total points with 17 goals and 14 assists, is not resting on his laurels.
“I’m happy for the goal. I’m happy for the win,” said the diminutive Italian in the dressing room post-game. “I also had four shots off target, which I’m not happy about. I live to be more precise on Wednesday.”
The Reds have made a habit in recent games of creating opportunities but not quite finding the net. On Sunday, they had 16 shots in total but Vanney, who switched to a 3-5-2 formation isn’t concerned.
“When we moved the ball quickly in the first half, we created loads of problems and almost attacked at will,” he said.
“We feel good about the way we played today,” said captain Michael Bradley. “I have a pretty good feel for the mentality of the group, we are ready and we can’t wait.”
TFC might look to the 2015 MLS season for inspiration, when the Portland Timbers played in a Wild Card game and went on to win the Championship.
“If you win the wildcard game, you go against a team a couple of days later that hasn’t played a playoff game yet and that aren’t used to the atmosphere and speed of play of playoffs,” said defender Drew Moor. “But we’re not looking beyond Wednesday night right now.”
THE FANS
Ahead of what is sure to be a memorable night, both coach and captain had words for the teams’ 12th man – TFC fans.
“We’re going to need guys to make big plays in important moments and we’re going to need the fans to make this one of the most special night in the clubs history,” said Bradley.
“We have to play like this is the most important game to us and it will become the most important game to them,” said Vanney.
