|
|
Toronto FC kicked off their 2012 preseason camp in Orlando, Florida with a comprehensive 5-1 victory against the University of South Florida men’s team, their first emphatic win in a preseason yet. Marred by inconsistency within the squad and managerial positions in years past, Toronto FC showed its supporters, albeit via twitter, that the team is, as Aron Winter said it, finally finished in terms of players in the squad.
A 5-1 result may seem like a great victory, but it really is the kind of win that should be expected of an MLS side that faces university opponents. That being said, here are three things we learned from yesterday’s successful friendly against USF.
Luis Silva can score goals
Along with Joao Plata, Nick Soolsma and Terry Dunfield, who all found the back of the net in the first half, Luis Silva managed to bag himself a brace in his first “real” game with Toronto FC. Playing in the #10 role, right behind forward Ryan Johnson, Luis Silva scored early on in the fifth minute before adding a second goal moments later. It’s an interesting sign against perhaps lesser quality opposition, but if Luis Silva can translate this kind of goalscoring against MLS opponents, we may have found a viable candidate for the third midfield spot, alongside Mr. Frings and Mr. de Guzman respectively.
Aron Winter is taking the academy seriously
The second half saw the introduction of academy youngster Jordan Hamilton, who slotted in beside Koevermans in the forward line. Including Hamilton may have come as a result of the scoreline at half time, but it’s still a wonderful example of the faith that Winter has in his developmental players. This is a long-term project, one that should be sustainable, and Aron Winter is making sure that players are given a chance, no matter how small.
Toronto FC is working on both sides of the game
The first half was clearly about getting on the score sheet, and a 5-0 score at half time is a testament to the offensive nature of the game. The second half produced no goals whatsoever, and, instead, had one conceded against Toronto FC. What does this mean for the Reds? It’s not just a lucky goal; it’s a shift in mentality in the second half.
While the first half was about chance creation and capitalization, the second half was an exercise in defending. USF was given the bulk of possession, creating several chances, while Toronto FC took a more counter-attacking approach. The half time talk in the locker room probably had something to do with this switch, and the defensive line Toronto put out, consisting of newcomers Aaron Maund, Geovanny Caicedo and Elbekay Bouchiba, were made to work, Aron Winter observing just how his team defended.
Smart for a manager whose team conceded the league worst goals against average last season. Aron Winter is addressing not only his offense, which is clicking for the most part, but he has that defensive aspect in mind as well.
Though it was only a preseason victory, winning is a culture, one that needs to be cultivated as thoroughly and as often as possible. The alternative is a loss or a draw to teams like USF, which does little besides lowering team morale. Toronto FC continues their preseason at the Walt Disney World Resort competition, where they will face FC Dallas.
|