TORONTO – The 2017 MLS regular season is officially in the books, but the work is just getting started for Toronto FC.
Returning from Atlanta on Monday afternoon, the Reds got right back to work on Tuesday morning as playoff preparations continue. Much of the starting XI from the 2-2 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium spent the morning in a regen session to recover from the rigors of the turf, while the rest of the squad took part in a full training session.
Although their playoff opponent is unknown at the moment, the Reds do know that they can face one of three teams in the Eastern Conference Semifinals: Atlanta United FC, Columbus Crew SC, or New York Red Bulls.
“I don’t get into that,” Greg Vanney said of his preferred payoff opponent. “We’ll watch the games and take the information that we can out of those games and prepare for whoever we’ll face.”
Forward Tosaint Ricketts is looking forward to the tough road ahead in the Eastern Conference.
“It’s no surprise with the teams that made it, they’ve been great all year,” he said. “Last year the West was a lot stronger… but it’s never easy. Everyone brings their best game in the playoffs.”
Added Steven Betashour: “We took a lot from the disappointment of last year into this season. We’ll have to take it up another notch now. The playoffs are a different beast.”
Hear from Vanney, Tosaint Ricketts, and Steven Beitashour after Tuesday’s training session:
