If Clint Irwin is nervous about Sunday he’s hiding it very well.
The Toronto FC goalkeeper will be one of millions around the world tuning into the Super Bowl. His Carolina Panthers are in the big game and the Charlotte native is confident things will go Cam Newton and company’s way.
“I was more nervous for the Seattle game,” said Irwin following training on Friday. “I think the Panthers are going to get the win on Sunday.”
While Sunday will be reserved for the big game, Irwin’s focus has been on the field, where two-a-day training sessions and scrimmages have occupied his time as he acclimates himself to new surroundings.
“We’re almost at the halfway point of the preseason,” said Irwin. “I’m trying to find that chemistry, learn guys’ tendencies and integrate into the group. Everyone has helped me and the new players to do that and the coaching staff has been great. The preseason has gone very well.”
The 26-year-old hasn't conceded a goal through 90 minutes of preseason action.
Irwin is working with goalie coach Jon Conway and fellow goalkeepers Quillan Roberts and Alex Bono for the first time. The Toronto FC goalkeepers union is off to a solid start.
“Anytime you can get a new perspective I’m always interested to hear new ideas and new approaches to the position,” said the former Rapids shot stopper. "We’ve been building that relationship over the last two weeks. It’s been a smooth transition thus far. Q, Alex and I have been pushing each other and being supportive of each other. It’s going to be a good relationship throughout the year and for, hopefully, years to come.”
Greg Vanney and the coaching staff have spent the majority of training camp focusing on the team’s structure and shape. Irwin has arguably the best vantage point to observe the progress that is being made through three scrimmages.
“We’re improving each and every match. Sometimes it’s difficult when you’re playing against each other in preseason,” Irwin added. “Sometimes it takes that outside opponent to bring up new situations where they might expose you in certain areas. Trying to get the defensive shape right is a good focus with the way we start our schedule [with eight games on the road].”
The Reds will face their first MLS competition of the preseason when they travel to Carson, CA to take on the LA Galaxy in a closed door scrimmage on Saturday.
The match will be a status check for the squad according to Irwin.
“For the guys that have played MLS minutes it’ll be good to get back to that tempo and style, I guess you can say. And for guys that haven’t played a MLS team like that or haven’t seen that many minutes it’ll be a good test for them. A lot of the guys have done really well playing against the college teams or PDL teams but it’s definitely going to be a step up.”
Though the competition will be unlike anything the Reds have seen thus far in Southern California, it’s still the preseason.With that said, Irwin is preparing for Saturday’s match as if it was taking place in June.
“Anytime you play a MLS team there’s a lot on the line," said Irwin. "My approach is as if it’s a regular season game because if not you’re going to be exposed. I’m excited. LA is a good team, it’s always a good matchup."
Saturday’s game will kickoff off at 11 am PT and will not be streamed. Follow Toronto FC on twitter for game updates and head to torontofc.ca postmatch for video highlights.
