Article content continued

There’s more.

“I think he has some frustrations that I don’t want to air publicly but I’m sure you can imagine what they are,” Vanney continued. “There are some challenges out there on the field that are difficult when you’re a smaller guy who needs a lot of turnover to get places. It’s hard to accelerate.

“But he’s happy for the team. He was happy for (Tosaint Ricketts). I hope he feels it, but he was fantastic.”

MORGAN ‘MEANS A LOT’

Ashtone Morgan is on his way to becoming a TFC legend.

The 27-year-old Toronto native has spent eight seasons with TFC – something no one else can say.

With every day left fullback Justin Morrow injured, Morgan is back to starting games.

“It was important to get the approval of (Ashtone) and (Jonathan Osorio) and the Toronto boys than anyone else because they’ve been here from the start. They know what this place is all about,” Altidore said post-game.

“For me, every time (Ashtone) is on the field I want to play well for him. He means a lot to the club and the city and he means a lot to us.”

Vanney praised Morgan for improving on the foundation he laid during a decent showing in Montreal two weeks ago. Vanney implored his fullbacks – Morgan, in particular – to take more chances getting forward. He was rewarded this weekend with an assist on Altidore’s game-winning goal.

THINGS I’M THINKING

Altidore found his 49th and 50th goals for TFC this weekend. Even more impressive: Altidore and Giovinco have accumulated a total of 107 goals and 58 assists in 189 combined MLS fixtures … Altidore still trails Giovinco by 15 goals in the race between TFC’s all-time leading scorers … Vanney lost his mind late in Friday night’s affair when Ager Aketxe turned over possession with minutes remaining. The Spanish midfielder risks falling below Nicolas Hasler and Jay Champan if he doesn’t make quicker decisions … The Reds have an option to purchase Auro for what the Brazilian’s agent told the Toronto Sun was a paltry sum. Message to Bezbatchenko: Pick up the phone … Which side does Giovinco go to the next time he steps to the PK spot? Won’t goalkeepers assume he’s ready to switch it up? … Shout out to Clint Irwin for that huge second half stop on ex-TFC attacker Joao Plata … Hot take: If the Reds would have dropped more points this weekend the Supporters’ Shield would have been out of reach … I’m told TSN TV numbers have been extremely positive so far this season … A Good Friday crowd of 28,006 on a cold night was impressive considering the Blue Jays were playing the New York Yankees down the street. The Jays drew slightly more (33,716) on opening weekend with plenty of travelling support.