Fanshawe FC: Toronto FC closes season on a high
Toronto FC did all they could
against the Montreal Impact to
spoil their rivals' playoff chances
on the final day of the season.
However, like most things TFC, it
just wasn't enough as Montreal
backed into the playoffs off of a 1-
0 loss to the Reds. Here are three
reasons why TFC is better off this
offseason than the last.
One of the big stats to come out of TFC's season was the fact they gave up 15 fewer goals than last season. Finally there has been a good core of players to maintain starting spots on the backline. Lead by experienced Scottish centreback Steven Caldwell, the defence wasn't obviously burned as many times as they were last year. Many times, it came down to single mental errors by young players like Gale Agbossoumonde and Doneil Henry. Caldwell is one of the more experienced players to ever play in MLS, having spent years in the English Premier League, so having an older player around will only help these younger players learn. Unfortunately, they will lose leftback Richard Eckersley at the end of this year due to his expensive contract ($200,000 a year).
They have the youngest midfield core they've ever had. When I say core, I mean their starters right now are young. They might not be starters after this offseason, but this is a great place to start. Led by upstart Canadian Jonathan Osorio, TFC has found some very impressive young players this year. Matis Laba is a young Designated Player (meaning he costs even less to the salary cap) and looks impressive when in a defensive midfielder role. Alvaro Ray was picked up from a club in Spain this summer, and has brought a technical and fast game to the right wing. Finally Kyle Bekker didn't get much playing time this season, but certainly showed his worth to manager Ryan Nelsen during that last match versus Montreal. Expect to see central midfielder more often next season.
Finally, they have more freedom this transfer window than before. Their two designated players are Danny Koevermans and Matis Laba. Koevermans' contract is up, so he could very easily be let go. That means they would have two spots for good quality players. Management say they are looking towards two strikers to come into the team come January. Well, it is true that TFC didn't give up as many goals as last season, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a problem. The Reds were very vulnerable at times at the backend. Regardless, having two quality players at either end of the pitch will make this team substantially better this season. Also, Ryan Nelsen appears to have been given the keys to run this team this offseason — much different from last.
Overall, youth, stability and defense are some bright spots to come out of BMO Field this season. Lets hope that 1-0 win can carry over into next season.
One of the big stats to come out of TFC's season was the fact they gave up 15 fewer goals than last season. Finally there has been a good core of players to maintain starting spots on the backline. Lead by experienced Scottish centreback Steven Caldwell, the defence wasn't obviously burned as many times as they were last year. Many times, it came down to single mental errors by young players like Gale Agbossoumonde and Doneil Henry. Caldwell is one of the more experienced players to ever play in MLS, having spent years in the English Premier League, so having an older player around will only help these younger players learn. Unfortunately, they will lose leftback Richard Eckersley at the end of this year due to his expensive contract ($200,000 a year).
They have the youngest midfield core they've ever had. When I say core, I mean their starters right now are young. They might not be starters after this offseason, but this is a great place to start. Led by upstart Canadian Jonathan Osorio, TFC has found some very impressive young players this year. Matis Laba is a young Designated Player (meaning he costs even less to the salary cap) and looks impressive when in a defensive midfielder role. Alvaro Ray was picked up from a club in Spain this summer, and has brought a technical and fast game to the right wing. Finally Kyle Bekker didn't get much playing time this season, but certainly showed his worth to manager Ryan Nelsen during that last match versus Montreal. Expect to see central midfielder more often next season.
Finally, they have more freedom this transfer window than before. Their two designated players are Danny Koevermans and Matis Laba. Koevermans' contract is up, so he could very easily be let go. That means they would have two spots for good quality players. Management say they are looking towards two strikers to come into the team come January. Well, it is true that TFC didn't give up as many goals as last season, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a problem. The Reds were very vulnerable at times at the backend. Regardless, having two quality players at either end of the pitch will make this team substantially better this season. Also, Ryan Nelsen appears to have been given the keys to run this team this offseason — much different from last.
Overall, youth, stability and defense are some bright spots to come out of BMO Field this season. Lets hope that 1-0 win can carry over into next season.
