Canadian Connection: Triumph for New, Embarrassment for Old
Today marked the first meeting between the MLS' two Canadian teams in the league. Toronto FC visited expansion side the Vancouver Whitecaps today at Empire Field in Vancouver B.C. and Vancouver looked like they had something to prove tonight.
With months of build up, TFC and the Whitecaps finally played the first ever meeting between two Canadian teams in MLS history and the game did not disappoint.
Having the majority of ball possession, Toronto looked to have a slim advantage during the game. However, the Whitecaps took the lead in the 15th minute off a strike from "said-to-be" out of shape striker Eric Hassli, who scored Vancouver's first ever MLS goal in history. Five minutes later, a strike from TFC captain, Dwayne De Rosario (pronounced Day-Rosario), put FC back into the game. De Rosario's goal also marked the 8000th goal in the MLS.
Vancouver then decided to give their fans what they paid for, a win on opening night. Vancouver native Terry Dunfield put the Caps back up in the 26th minute with some good passing from the team and taking a 2-1 lead after 45 minutes.
The second half was no different. A huge amount of possession from Toronto but no goals to show for it. Goals from Atiba Harris (62nd minute) and Hassli's second of the night (73rd minute) would take away any hopes of a Toronto comeback.
However, TFC did pull a goal back with a wonder strike out of nowhere from Maicon Santos that had Jay Nolly scrapping his side on the turf after his attempt at saving the shot. If you missed it, which is unlucky for you, here it is:
Yeah, you should have been watching the game to have witnessed that.
So, with this 4-2 loss, can we count out Toronto this year?
First off, it's the first game. Can you really tell how a team will perform after one game? If you said "yes" to that question, stop watching soccer please.
Second, I have always said that home field is a huge advantage for a team. The 12th player is a big part for a squad and can really help. Example, I will use a team in this post, Toronto FC. Last year TFC went 6 wins, 3 losses and 6 ties at home, but went only 3 wins, 10 losses and 2 ties away from BMO. Trust me, home field advantage helps.
Third, Toronto's defensive play. Tonight I think the best part about watching Toronto's defense was Nana Atakora sporting a new hair style. The dread lock style is a good look for the 21 year old centre back. But seriously, that was the most fascinating part about the defense. If TFC's back 4 can actually play the whistle and not stand around like the ref is going to give them a free call, then maybe they will have the same defense they have been building for the past four seasons.
Finally, to me it looked like Aron Winter used this first game to look for the best connection on his squad. Maicon and Dwayne up top seems to be a good pairing but they don't have a midfield that can get them going.
I know that TFC have this Dutch connection saga happening and, in the long run, it probably will pay off. Of course I'm talking about these so-called rumors linking AC Milan and former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf to Toronto in the near future. But seriously, can I ask who decided it would be a good idea to sign midfielder/forward Nick Soolsma before the season started? Yes, he did score 12 goals for VV Young Boys in the Dutch lower division last year but his play today could be compared to my new born baby cousin learning how to move his head from side to side! The minute Soolsma got hold of the ball, it was probably a 2-6 second time span where he would either have the ball taken away from him or pass it to the Whitecaps. Horrible is probably the word I am looking for and a smart move by Winter taking him out at half. Again, it is only the first game and honestly I hope Nick makes me eat my word in the future and turns into a quality player for Toronto. Javier Martina, however, did impress tonight and hopefully he can make this whole Dutch connection work.
Another turning point for Toronto was when Winter decided to bring in Belgian defender Mikael Yourassowsky into the back four. The runs he made down the wing were very smart and he was able to make some good passes to the forwards, including a great pass which led to Maicon Santos' wonder goal in the 75th minute. Yourassowsky has probably earned his place in the starting 11 after his performance tonight and some may wonder, would the score line look different had Winter put Mikael on earlier or even started him?
Next week, it's clear Winter will be putting together a new starting 11 for their home opener against the Portland Timbers and I think it should look a little something like this:
4-4-2
-------------------Frei----------------------
Gargan---Attakora---Cann---Yourassowsky
Harden---Sturgis---Zavarise/Peterson--Martina
---------Santos-----------De Rosario---------
Sturgis and Zavarise are both young players but did show some bright spots against the Whitecaps today and could probably make those passes De Rosario and Maicon need to score.
Last year, Attakora and Cann made a great pairing in the centre of defense for Toronto and should be brought back for next weeks match. You know the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Winter should probably have listened to that quote instead of slotting Cann as left back.
Cheers,
JC
