TORONTO – There's been a recurring theme from Greg Vanney over the last couple of weeks.

Whether up at the Kia Training Ground or around BMO Field, prematch or post, whether speaking with the media or to the team, the Toronto FC coach has been calling for his side to be the 'best version' of themselves.

As the summer grind gives way to the fall playoff race, 11 matches remain in the 2017 regular season for TFC. Beyond lie the playoffs and another shot at the MLS Cup.

Vanney described his vision on Tuesday: “The best version of ourselves is when we're playing quickly and the ball is moving. When we're aggressive, in both our ability to attack and to get numbers moving in a forward direction. When we play in the opposition's half, find the right moments to press high, but also to put pressure on an opposition's back-line to force them to make plays.” 

“You can't play at that tempo in the summer in some of the cities that we play in, or in afternoon games in Toronto for that matter,” continued Vanney. “It's very difficult to do that when guys are all over the place and you're trying to keep a group fresh. You have to take a long view.”

“Our is hope that we can continue, as the temperatures start drop and the intensity of the games increases – ourselves playing for every point for Supporters Shield – to position ourselves going into the playoffs. Focus, concentration start to come together,” added Vanney. “Play quickly, hopefully mistake free, and really push the tempo of games because we think that’s when we can gain an advantage.”

Striving for that vision comes in many forms, tailored to the part of the pitch front of mind for each player, though common themes run across the pitch.

Midfielder Marky Delgado interprets it as: “When everyone is sharp, out there not intimidated one bit, knowing that we're the team to beat.” 

“Go out there with tons of confidence, having trust in one another,” added Delgado midweek. “Fly out there and play like ourselves, knowing we're the dominant team. It's a good position to be in; we feel good about that. We love the pressure.”

While defender Nick Hagglund, speaking on Friday, looks for it to come to fruition by, “being stingy defensively, not giving up goals, getting more shutouts.”

“Connections,” continued Hagglund. “Moving the ball, being one-, two-touch. Everyone feeling confident in their positions, expecting people to be in certain areas. Leading up to the playoffs it's all about momentum.”

As the summer fades, the matches will take on a different character. It has already begun and will only become more noticeable as the remaining fixtures pass one by one.

“The biggest difference between the regular season and the post-season is the level of intensity and how it rises.” said Vanney on Friday. “With intensity comes a higher level of engagement, a slightly higher level of importance on each play and each action.”

Vanney believes that plays right into Toronto's hands: “When we are super engaged, intensity at a high level, our margin for playing well and getting results become solid.”

“Aside from that we'll continue to work towards our details within games and little adaptations that we want to have as we go into the playoffs,” added Vanney. “The key now, as we get toward the final stretch, is that the intensity of our group, from day-to-day in training to each game on the weekend, continues to rise.”