

Posted by

Robert Cerjanec ,

April 15, 2014 Email

Robert Cerjanec

On Twitter:

@SportsNutRob

TORONTO, Ont. - After an off-season of much anticipation and excitement, the first month of Toronto FC’s season is now in the books.



The Reds closed out their opening 30 days of action with a record of 3-2, including 2-1 on the road away from the friendly confines of BMO Field.



While excitement has been largely restored to the previously disgruntled fan-base, supporters should not turn a blind eye to some very legitimate concerns.



Although things seem to be trending upward, that does not mean that there are no issues for both management and the squad to address.



Here are three factors, both positive and negative, to consider as Toronto FC gets set to kick off month two of their 2014 season.



3 Reasons for Optimism:



1) The impact of DP’s Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley and Gilberto



It did not take long for Defoe to show his quality, as he opened his goal scoring account just 17 minutes into his TFC debut. Defoe has provided a presence to Toronto’s front-line that the club has been lacking since its inception – a striker who provides a consistent threat in front of goal. Bradley has been a stabilizing presence for TFC in central midfield, consistently providing leadership and breaking up the opposition’s attacks. Although he did not feature in the opening fixture against Seattle, Brazilian Gilberto has show that he belongs and has not looked out of place in attack.



2) Leadership of Michael Bradley



Acquiring a player of Bradley’s pedigree prove quite the coup for Tim Leiweke and TFC, as it is not everyday that you see a Major League Soccer club obtain a player of Bradley’s caliber in the prime of his career. The US national team captain has shown a relentless compete level and tenacity in the middle of the park, not only defensively, but often proving to be a catalyst in initiating the counter-attack. Generally renowned for his defensive abilities, the American international has shown glimpses of his underrated offensive game as well.



3) Team cohesiveness



Many informed soccer fans considered the very real possibility that TFC could get off to a slow start, as the players adjusted to their new surroundings and teammates. It would seem reasonable to believe that as the players get used to one another more, their chemistry play together should only improve. The fact that TFC won their opening match and are banking valuable points early in the season should prove to be invaluable down the stretch. If Toronto can stay at or around .500 through their opening ten matches, that should be viewed as a success and something to build on in the remaining contests.



3 Reasons for Concern:



1) Injuries, injuries, injuries



Jermain Defoe. Michael Bradley. Jonathan Osorio. Alvaro Rey. Doneil Henry. Ashtone Morgan. The Toronto FC injury list reads as a “who’s who” list in the squad, as all the above have missed action in the opening few games of the season. Not having fit first choice players hurts not only the individual and the team in the present, but the individual and team when they return as well, as an extra effort must be made to reintegrate them into the squad and get them back up to game speed. The team must hope that they are getting their injury spell out of the way early, and that a return to health is not that far off.



2) Depth



Toronto FC’s lack of depth has clearly been tested by their early season injuries, however there were depth concerns before the parade to the medical room began. Perhaps the most glaring issue is on the flanks in midfield, where Jackson and Alvaro Rey are currently being deployed. Although both players have largely been serviceable, TFC could look to upgrade either or both players with a more speedy and offensive replacement to improve the quality of play on the wings. A suspension to Jackson for an off-the-ball incident against D.C. United only further tested TFC’s thin reserves.



3) Ball possession



Toronto FC have posted a meager 39% possession average thus far, having lost the possession battle in all five of their matches to date. The roster has more than enough quality in it to possess the ball more, and they must find a way to raise their average to start dictating games on their terms.



Verdict: Toronto FC grades out with a solid ‘B’ at this point in the season. Only a lack of possession and an over-reliance on the counterattack held them back from getting a ‘B+’, but as the season progresses, their grade should continue to trend upward once the squad fully adjusts to one another and lets their superior talent shine through.