For Victor Vazquez, timing is everything.



In the second half of the second leg of the Eastern Conference final against the Columbus Crew, all eyes were on Jozy Altidore. After injuring his ankle, the Toronto FC forward hobbled across the BMO Field pitch as many wondered if his ankle would hold up for the length of the match.



And all the while, it was as if no one was watching Vazquez.



Not commanding personal attention has always been Vazquez’s modus operandi. Even as he tore MLS apart in his debut season, registering an impressive 16 assists and establishing himself as one of the league’s most creative playmakers, the 30-year old Spaniard has eschewed any personal glory and often personal attention on the pitch with the likes of Sebastian Giovinco and Altidore around. This was evident in his ability to run, unmarked by Crew defenders, close to Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco in the 60th minute of the second leg, receive a short pass from Altidore,...