While US-based MLS teams had U.S. Open Cup action during the Concacaf Gold Cup break, the reprieve offered Toronto FC a 15-day chance to recharge and enter headlong into the second of the season.
From that, head coach Greg Vanney noted a sense of excitement on the training ground before Saturday’s matchup at FC Dallas (8 pm ET | TSN, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US).
“The group is in good spirits, ready to play after a couple weeks of not playing games,” Vanney said. “The guys are ready to get back on the field and compete.”
But TFC, as has often seemed the case in 2019, will enter with a less-than-full-string starting XI. Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore are with the US men’s national team, while Jonathan Osorio is with Canada. On the injury front, Vanney said right back Auro and center back Chris Mavinga look like they’ll barely miss out.
Heading into a stretch of three consecutive double-game weeks, TFC will need all hands on deck.
“A lot of guys have had opportunities through the season, so I look at this as a stretch of games where everyone needs to be solid and professional in their approach and be reliable,” Vanney said. “Through good team play we’ll create opportunities, through good team play we’ll protect our goal. It’s really just a reliability factor now and everyone doing their job and doing it to their capability. Nobody has to be anybody but themselves.”
Heading to Dallas, Toronto will search for their first win in eight matches, as they’re enduring a 0-4-3 stretch. The Texas heat complicates those hopes, Vanney said, as does FCD’s ability to break via attackers such as Jesus Ferreira and Michael Barrios.
“They have some interesting young players who are dynamic, who are active and busy and can create problems,” Vanney said of Dallas. “Then they have some guys like Barrios who have been around for a while, has experience and quality and can really get out in transition and run and take people on.”
In searching for three points and juggling the lineup, Toronto will quickly turnaround to host Atlanta United next Wednesday. Before then, regardless of who takes to the field, there’s a premium on three points.
“A lot of things we talk about are principles in the game and not necessarily straight-up systems, so if we have to adapt a little bit here or there, then the guys are pretty comfortable doing that and don’t get too locked up,” Vanney said. “We try to put guys as much as possible, without changing our style or identity, in positions they’re most comfortable in and will have the most success in.
