“We went from 0 to 100 real quick.”
Dominic Oduro knows how to endear himself to Torontonians. Drop a Drake verse, make a reference to the best Chinese restaurant in the city and we’re hooked.
The Ghanaian speedster was describing Toronto FC’s comeback victory over Portland on the weekend, calling it one of the biggest wins of the season. Jonathan Osorio went one step further.
“It was a huge three points,” said the Canadian international. “Some could argue it was the biggest three points in the club’s history.”
It’s hard to argue against that sentiment, but with triumph over the Timbers in the rearview mirror the focus now shifts to Saturday’s contest versus the LA Galaxy.
Osorio watched the Galaxy dismantle the Red Bulls on Sunday night. While the win helped TFC’s playoff hopes, the midfielder acknowledged the excellent form LA is in.
“It helps us, but at the same time they’re really feeling good going into our game now. Which is okay, in order to be the best you have to beat the best. “
Oduro agreed with his teammate’s assessment.
“You got to respect them,” Oduro said. “It’s a great team. That’s what makes this game really exciting. “
“I always say this: on any given Saturday if you want it, you’ll get. We have to go out there and fight.”
Saturday’s contest in California represents the last game against a Western Conference opponent for the Reds this season. This weekend’s date with the Galaxy also represents TFC’s game in hand.
While a win against one of the league’s best would be huge, head coach Greg Vanney is looking at the bigger picture with only five games remaining in the regular season.
“The Galaxy is one game,” said Vanney. “This is one of those weeks where you have to look at three games.”
“For me it’s not the most critical match out there. This is a game where we go and we have nothing to lose. We take our chances and see what we can come away with. The games that we need to win are our Eastern Conference games down the stretch. If we do that then we’ll be in good shape.”
Defoe and Warner train with the squad
It was a welcome sight for fans anticipating Jermain Defoe’s return to TFC’s lineup.
The English striker was a full participant in training on Tuesday. Vanney believes Defoe is almost all the way back.
“I anticipate he’ll be available [on Saturday],” said the Reds’ boss. “Jermain looks good. He’s getting some more soccer fitness and match fitness under him. He looks great. He’s close to ready.”
Collen Warner also participated in training, working himself back from a hamstring injury that’s kept him on the sidelines for the last few weeks.
“I think he should be ready by the weekend,” said Vanney.
Wiedeman on the wing
For the last month or so Andrew Wiedeman has been shifted from striker to the wing in training.
On Saturday we got to see how that experiment is evolving. Wiedeman replaced Oduro in the 78th minute against the Timbers and more than held his own.
Wiedeman’s work ethic is something you can count on according to TFC’s head coach.
“He’s a guy who brings out a ton of energy,” Vanney said. “He’s still kind of learning the position in terms of where he needs to be and when, but at the end of the game when the opposition is tired he gets things going. “
Games to watch
Need to know what to watch and when with the Eastern Conference playoff race heating up? We’ve got you covered.
