TORONTO – With winter now gone for good (knock on wood), spring seemingly skipped, and a busy summer ahead, the next phase of the 2018 season has begun for Toronto FC.
Throughout the month of May, five matches are scheduled, four of which will be at BMO Field, as TFC looks to climb up the Eastern Conference table.
An MLS Cup rematch against Seattle Sounders FC and visits from Orlando City SC and FC Dallas lay ahead, as well as a trip to face the New England Revolution, but up first is Friday's home encounter with the Philadelphia Union.
Toronto took the most recent meeting 3-0 at BMO Field last August – Sebastian Giovinco, Nicolas Hasler, and Jozy Altidore scored the goals – and are expecting more of the same from their opponent this time around.
“They're very similar to what they have been for the last few years,” said Greg Vanney of Jim Curtin's side. “They have the ability to make a play, to open you up, move the ball around. They're very committed to their style of play. And CJ Sapong up top can be a handful.”
Sapong leads the side with two goals through seven matches, but he is not the sole attacking threat.
“He's a big guy, who plays big, is physical and moves around,” detailed Vanney. “They have guys underneath and on the wings who are crafty and can make plays.”
“Haris Medunjanin is a fantastic passer from that defensive midfield position. If he has time on the ball, he'll dictate the game, look to control it,” said Vanney. “[Borek] Dockal, a new addition to their team who plays underneath the striker, can receive on the turn, accelerate the game, has got good ideas. They've added [David] Accam, who has got different level speed and aggressiveness, one-on-one or attacking behind.”
Added Vanney: “Ilsinho and [Fafa] Picault, different types, but both interesting attacking [midfield] players.”
“Their philosophy is they want to have the ball, want to have possession,” noted Vanney. “They want to open up space and try to break you down. That's what they're good at. If you end up getting stretched out, they will play between you and create chances.”
“With the speed of Accam and Picault they can play in transition as well,” cautioned Vanney. “They'll get out, break fast and play off of Sapong.”
But Toronto know the result lies in their hands.
“If we can do what we need to correctly, we can make the game tough for them,” foresaw Vanney. “If you have let downs, give up bad situations, are not diligent over the course of the game, they're fully capable of getting a result.”
Philadelphia come to town off the back of a 3-2 win over D.C. United on Saturday. Though just their second win of the season, ending a five-match winless stretch, they will be looking to carry that positivity into Friday's clash.
TFC, on the other hand, will be looking to put their displeasure at last weekend's 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire behind them as they aim to make up ground in a competitive conference.
NYCFC and Atlanta United have opened up their campaigns with blistering runs, each averaging more than two-points-per game through the early goings. Toronto have some catching up to do over the coming months.
“We can make up the ground,” said Vanney. “We all believe in the quality of our team; we can get on a run in the league and win games.”
“If we can get all of our ducks in a row, we'll close the gap. We have that capacity; that ability,” continued Vanney. “But it requires us putting everything else that is behind us and distracting off to the side... which includes the gap.”
“It's a distraction,” emphasized Vanney. “Just focus on the game. Win these games one at a time and the rest will take care of itself. We'll look at the standings midway through the season, understanding we don't have a lot of games to give away in the process.”
The players are ready.
Said Tosaint Ricketts: “Full focus is on the league. The guys want to get out there, start getting those results... fill that gap.”
