TORONTO – Following a clinical 1-0 win in Seattle on May 6 with some five starters absent, Greg Vanney said that he believed Toronto FC had the deepest team ever assembled in MLS.
Over the next month that statement took on a life of its own, something Vanney joked about when he stood by his words after dismantling Columbus Crew SC 5-0 on May 26, extending an unbeaten streak to eight matches and hoisting the Trillium Cup.
That depth will be tested this week as it never has before.
TFC head into a pair of matches – at Yankee Stadium against NYC FC on Wednesday and at BMO Field on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids – without some eight players.
Away at the Gold Cup are Michael Bradley (USA), Jozy Altidore (USA), Justin Morrow (USA), Armando Cooper (Panama), Jonathan Osorio (Canada), and Tosaint Ricketts (Canada), while Nick Hagglund (torn MCL) and Steven Beitashour (abdominal injury) are on the mend.
“We're going to have to deal with some absences,” understated Eriq Zavaleta after training on Monday. “It's been the same story all year. Guys have stepped up; guys will continue to step up. We'll make no excuses.”
The mission?
“To continue to accumulate points and keep ourselves at the top of the table,” stated Zavaleta. “It's been a little bit since we played a game, but the guys are sharp.”
Toronto has not played since a 3-1 win at Orlando City SC on July 5, a match that ended a run of six matches in 19 days. Two weeks later, Vanney is certain his side is equal to the challenge.
“I feel great about the group we have going in,” said Vanney. “How we've trained over the break, the intensity. We've got a clear picture of what we want this game to look like. We've got good experience, we've got some legs, guys who can run, guys who can finish; we've got our back-line more-or-less intact. We're comfortable going in there to play for three points.”
It helps that both Ashtone Morgan and Oyvind Alseth, deputizing for Morrow and Beitashour, respectively, in the important wing-back/full-back positions got precious time in the two matches before the break.
“Both guys have stepped in, helped us get a win in Orlando, have done well for themselves, and will continue to do so when called upon,” said Zavaleta. “At the end of the day no matter whom we have playing we're going to play the same way. We have a blueprint. People have an idea of how to follow [it]. They just have to step up and do their job; everybody around them will do the same.”
In fact, it could have been worse, but Raheem Edwards, the ninth absentee, rejoined the squad with Cyle Larin coming into the Canadian side ahead of the Quarterfinal match against Jamaica on Thursday.
“It's good to have him back. It's important for us,” said Vanney on Monday. “We are scrounging to get 16 field players. He'll be back into preparations tomorrow. And we'll use him accordingly.”
And Nicolas Hasler, the newest member of the squad, is available for selection.
“He's an experienced player, played in big games, so this is not new to him,” said Vanney of the Liechtenstein international. “He came in fit and ready. He's still learning our tactics. Given the opportunity, if it's there and we need him, we'll use him. This is the tail end of the year in terms of getting guys opportunities to grow and become a factor. We won't hesitate if the right opportunity is there.”
Though the time-line for Beitashour's return remains uncertain – he will visit a doctor soon, according to Vanney, which will shed some light on a plan – there is good news on the injury front as Nick Hagglund was back in full training for the first time on Monday.
“Nick is doing well. He's back into playing live,” revealed Vanney. “Today was the first day he was all in and if the tackle was there, he could get into it. I'm not sure I saw him get into any. He's getting close, not sure quite for Wednesday. Hopefully in the next couple games.”
