Video: Toronto players take laps waiting their turn at scrimmage

Thursday Training

Toronto FC’s Thursday early training session was an intense affair, highlighting the competitiveness that now runs through this squad from top to bottom. The players took part in some passing drills and then divided into four teams for scrimmage.

The squads that were alternating out of play at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex weren’t idle on the sidelines. Team’s strength and conditioning trainer Nick Milonas had the players running laps while waiting for their turn on the pitch.

In the afternoon, Toronto took part in a second session but that one was indoors. The Reds hit the gym at their hotel a couple of hours after lunch to complete the sort of day that will go a long way in building strength and endurance.

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Saturday’s Match

Toronto will play its first match in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. The game against Orlando City SC will be streamed on the Toronto FC Live page.

Ryan Johnson & Julian de Guzman

Neither winger Ryan Johnson or midfielder Julian de Guzman will be available for Toronto on Saturday. Johnson is already on international duty with Jamaica, helping the Reggae Boyz to a 1-0 win over Cuba on Wednesday. Johnson’s 85th minute cross was met by teen sensation Jorginho James to lift Jamaica at home. The teams will play again on Friday in Montego Bay.

Canada will take on Armenia in Cyprus on February 29, effectively ending any chance that de Guzman can play in the Disney Classic as the Canadian international will leave for national team duty on Saturday.

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