SoccerToronto FC showing signs of strength

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For a time it was like watching a sapling in a storm. The branches swayed and bowed under the force of the gale but, despite its intensity, did not snap. The roots, young but strong, survived intact.

 

To the immense credit of Toronto FC, the tempest was relatively short lived. For the entire first half and a decent portion of the second half, the visitors made themselves at home in Los Angeles. When the going finally got tough, the rearguard action stood up to the test.

 

At last coach Preki afforded himself a smile. For the first time under his watch, his team put together a united and effective road performance that endured from first whistle till last. The game plan worked and the effort of every player was rewarded.

 

First point on the road this season

 

The "silly mistakes" which has cost this franchise time and again were kept to a minimum in Saturday's 0-0 draw against the Galaxy in LA. When the cracks began to appear there was always a willing handyman to patch them up. The collective resolve to earn the point with which they began was much in evidence.

 

The Galaxy has been the best team in MLS for the last year. True, they lost the MLS Cup in a penalty lottery to Salt Lake, but LA's strong start to the 2010 campaign should surprise no one. They have scored consistently and conceded rarely.

 

Toronto's ability to keep them at bay should be seen in this context. Edson Buddle has forced his way into the provisional U.S. squad for the World Cup. He may not make the final cut for South Africa, but it promises to be a bumper year for the former TFC striker.

 

His effectiveness in this contest was greatly reduced by a young Canadian with a big future. Nana Attakora virtually snuffed out Buddle's threat with a committed, intelligent and athletic display. His defensive partnership with fellow Canuck Adrian Cann augurs well going forward.

 

Late in the piece Buddle finally beat the Red wall, only to be denied by the woodwork. Stefan Frei notched up back-to-back clean sheets with a series of important saves and by the time he was bailed out by the goal frame, the young Swiss 'keeper had earned his good fortune.

 

Sanyang and Barrett shine

 

Honourable mentions also to Amadou Sanyang and Chad Barrett. The Gambian teenager channelled his natural aggression to provide the back four with another layer of protection, while Barrett's workhorse mentality, on a night of few scoring opportunities, was admirable.

 

Above all this was a team performance the like of which Toronto fans have rarely witnessed. Twelve months ago, I venture to suggest, it would not have been possible. The cracks would have turned into gaping holes too large to be plugged, resulting in the inevitable outcome.

 

Preki knows MLS is not the best league in the world. We all do. But he also knows it is a league where sheer endeavour pays dividends. Denying your opponent time and space often leads to a mistake and that, in his book of recipes for success, is one of key ingredients.

 

It is not rocket science. Soccer was never intended to be so, but it does require each and every player to be accountable. The pre-game huddle is meaningless unless everyone in that huddle is prepared to battle and scrap for himself and his team.

 

The storm has passed and the outlook is brighter. Three games in eight days produced 2 wins and a highly creditable draw. The TFC defence was breached only once - by a somewhat wind assisted but nonetheless spectacular strike that would have beaten any goalkeeper.

 

A scoreless tie against the Galaxy may pale in comparison to the 4-goal drubbing handed out to Chicago but make no mistake - this was a display every bit as significant. It didn't feature a goal but it contained grit, heart and determination by the bucketful.

 

I am beginning to see a group of players building in confidence and good habits. The very fact Preki saved Dwayne De Rosario's legs for another day with a full 20 minutes remaining is indicative of progress. Trust is a wonderful weapon to have in your armoury.

 

Some years ago a marketing wiz at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment came up with the slogan: "All for One" to help sell the new MLS franchise in Toronto. The motto has become something of a poor joke since. Maybe, just maybe, in 2010 it is beginning to have some relevance.

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