In their most complete performance of the season so far Toronto FC dominated the Montreal Impact on the way to a 2-0 win at Stade Saputo.
Sebastian Giovinco scored twice, and now has six goals on the season. The reigning MLS MVP is now tied for most MLS goals in Toronto FC history.
INTERVIEWS:Greg Vanney | Michael Bradley | Jozy Altidore | Drew Moor | Steven Beitashour | Jonathan Osorio
Though Giovinco shined, it was a total team performance, with the entire lineup contributing. Drew Moor and Damien Perquis kept Didier Drogba in check while Steven Beitashour made Ignacio Piatti a non-factor.
Greg Vanney, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore spoke to the media following the match. Here is some of what they had to say.
Greg Vanney
On the team’s defensive organization
“I thought we were very disciplined, very organized defensively, and we were quick to get help with numbers around each of their guys. We were very disciplined over the course of 90 minutes. I thought we were very solid.”
On this being a top performance
“I thought our performance today was arguably our best performance that we’ve had in two years, in terms of front to back defensive organization, attacking, creating chances. I thought we were solid all-around.”
On defending in a 4-4-2 diamond formation
“It kind of makes sense for the makeup of our team. We’ve gotten better defensively, and obviously our mentality has changed. That was one of our Achilles heels last year in that system, as we just didn’t defend well. Now, because of our mindset and having new players, we were ready for it and today was a good display of it.”
Michael Bradley
On the performance
“I thought it was a great team effort from start to finish. We handled the game in a very good way. I thought tactically we were very good, we made the game hard on their big attacking players. We found good moments with the ball and were able to put together some good plays going the other way.”
On the team’s start to the season
“It’s a great win. Every guy should be proud of what went into it. We talked a lot about knowing how we wanted to deal with the first part of the season. I think we’ve done a very good job.”
Jozy Altidore
On the team’s identity this season
“We want to be the team that’s hard to beat. We know we’re going to be able to score goals, we have x-factors and we have to get that part right. So far we’ve demonstrated that and sent signals out to the rest of the league saying this is who we are.”
On their opponents
“For me, today was a game between two of the best teams in the league in terms of how both teams have performed thus far. I thought Montreal got maybe a little bit frustrated, but that’s a testament to us and how we came out and made it difficult for them.”
The Reds travel to Portland next week to complete their eight-game road trip to begin the season. Then they head home for the home opener on May 7th versus FC Dallas.
