TORONTO – Still just a month into the season, Toronto FC has already faced its fair share of adversity, yet the Reds have hardly skipped a beat thanks in large part to the versatility of Justin Morrow.
After Drew Moor was forced out of the starting lineup due to a cardiac arrhythmia, Nick Hagglund took his place as the anchor of the defence, garnering well-deserved praise for the way he has kept the TFC backline organized. Less publicized has been Morrow’s move from his natural wingback position into the position on the left side of TFC’s back three.
One of the most dangerous attacking fullbacks in the league, Morrow has made a living near the touchline, bombing forward to wreak havoc on opposing defences – even leading MLS defenders in goals last season with five – while stifling dangerous wingers at the other end.
Moving deeper and into more of a central position has meant a change in mindset, forcing Morrow to curtail the attacking tendencies that have become second nature to him.
“It’s tough to try to reign that instinct in, especially since it’s been working out lately with the goals and assists I’ve pitched in to help the team out offensively,” Morrow admitted. “It’s tough for me to have to stay back a bit more, but it’s what the team needs right now. It’s a more cerebral position.”
Even with his move deeper into the defence, Morrow has still managed to make an impact in the attack, providing the game-winning assist in last Friday’s 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire.
The shift into the back three has been entirely new to the Ohio native, but his recent performances have been more reflective of a veteran than a novice.
“It’s been a good adjustment because my teammates have been helping me out; Nick [Hagglund] and [Eriq Zavaleta] have been helping me through it,” he told TorontoFC.ca. “I’d never played in a back three before, but I’ve played a little centerback in a back four so I had an understanding of the duties there. Everyone’s been really communicative and helping me out.”
Head coach Greg Vanney has been impressed with Morrow’s transition, noting that his presence in the defence gives the side some added flexibility.
“He’s been great,” Vanney said. “It gives us some different looks because we can shift from three [in the back] to sometimes four when Justin slides a little wider and moves forward a bit.
“It gives us a little bit of versatility that you don’t quite get with three pure centerbacks, especially with his natural left foot and his comfort level of carrying the ball forward a little bit more.”
While Moor recovers, the Reds are confident Morrow’s run of good form can continue.
“He’s done a great job of his mindset and establishing his priorities defensively over this stretch,” Vanney added. “Since late last year, he’s shown a lot of good, attacking moments. He’s scored goals, he’s picked up assists, he’s created opportunities. But in this latest stretch he’s shown just how good of a defender he is.
“For us to have the balance and ability to use him in different ways is phenomenal.”
