Facing extreme adversity in distressing heat with ominous storm clouds overhead Toronto FC proved yet again that this team possess a special brand of character and determination.
With Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco and Clint Irwin unavailable, the Reds relied on a young lineup to deliver in Columbus against the Crew on Wednesday night.
TFC survived a shaky opening half, with veterans Drew Moor and Benoit Cheyrou putting out fires when called upon. In the second half the insertion of youngsters Jay Chapman and Tsubasa Endoh ended up changing the tide. Chapman provided the key assist on Jordan Hamilton's equalizer in the 64th minute.
Greg Vanney, Chapman and Jonathan Osorio spoke to the media after the match. Here is some of what they had to say.
Greg Vanney
On the point earned in tonight’s match…
I was proud of the group. Candidly I said that this is not a tactical win, it’s not anything other than sheer grit and determination and then working together as a group to get something out of it. They did. It’s one of those games that hopefully it can be a team-building, character-building sort of moment for the group. They worked very hard tonight under difficult circumstances. We had three subs, we had to use them all fairly early so we adjusted systems a couple times through the course of the game. We had four centerbacks by the time we ended. It was determination. Early on we were defending a lot but through the course of that second half we had several decent looks at the goal. We were good to get one and at least get something out of the night. Positive for the guys, I’m really happy for them.
On getting chances off the counter-attack in the second half…
We get out of our shell a little bit. I thought our midfield group was a little bit too close to our backline defensively. When we were winning balls we were winning them too deep in the field and then we didn’t have players ahead of the ball really to play forward to. After we gave up the goal, really, the midfield group got off of the back line, they were a little bit higher and then our forwards were a touch higher. Because we weren’t so close together we were able to get out of our defensive shape in to some sort of attacks. They were trying to repress us and whenever they turned over the ball and we were able to, on a couple occasions, eliminate that first line of defenders and then some space really opened up for us. It was important that we had more spacing between our back line and midfield line and our forwards to be able to get out of our defensive shape. We were really having a hard time with that through parts of the first half and early in the second half.
Jay Chapman
On the team’s performance tonight…
It was a really gutsy performance, and I’m proud of all the guys. When you’re on the road in hot weather like that, against a [difficult team] in the conference like Columbus, it’s not an easy result to get. So, I think coming away with a draw is a good result and it’s going to give us a lot of confidence going into San Jose this weekend.
On his performance the past few games…
I definitely think the last couple of weeks in training and in the games I’ve been able to really come out of my comfort zone a little bit and actually contribute to the team when I get on the field. I’m getting more comfortable. They’re putting a little more trust in me and putting me in matches. And I’m on a roll I guess. So, I’m just going to keep trying to do the best that I can when I come on.
On his assist tonight…
It was a great play. Any time that I’m making little movements and stuff when I have Benoit [Cheyrou] behind me, he’s going to get me the ball. It was a great pass from him and I was able to take a good first touch and run at the back line, and Jordan [Hamilton] made a great peel-off run. It was a good run so it was easy for me to pass it to him and it was a great finish.
Jonathan Osorio
On how hard it is to play on a hot, humid day…
It is very difficult. The weather certainly doesn’t make it an easy game for not only us, but them too, so we can’t really use that as an excuse. What I can say is playing in that weather away from home maybe is a little bit harder and against a team that moves the ball well. We knew it was going to be difficult. First half was tough, but I thought we were really strong defensively. As a team we showed a lot of character, going down one and coming back. Very proud of the team.
On what gives the team the ability to come back in games…
I think we made certain changes in the offseason and brought in experience so even though we had a very young team out there, we had one, two, or three very experienced guys that helped lead the way and I think that’s the difference between a good team and a great team. Great teams have a lot of character and are able to stay in games like this.
Toronto FC travels to San Jose on Thursday and will take on the Earthquakes at 10:30 PM ET on Sportsnet 360 this Saturday.
