Posted by

Steve Bottjer ,

June 12, 2011 Email Steve Bottjer



Toronto FC 2 – LA Galaxy 2

Many TFC supporters weren’t expecting much from the Reds against the Galaxy, as Toronto showed a lot of fight and character in coming back to earn a 2-2 draw on the road against a league-leading Los Angeles side. After an inauspicious start to the game while conceding a very early goal, the Reds endured injuries and a dagger to the heart of a goal by Juan Pablo Angel, but bounced back in the dying seconds to pull out a result.



An exceptional performance by Alan Gordon likely has Toronto fans what might have been if the imposing striker had not missed so many games due to injury. Eckersley and Borman finally gave Toronto a pair of high functioning fullbacks, while a forward line of Plata, Santos and Gordon looks to have all the makings of something positively offensive. With the summer transfer window opening soon, Aron Winter and Paul Mariner are likely on the lookout for a centre back and a midfielder to patch up those problem areas.



The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.



Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:



Stefan Frei – 6

One of the few matches this season in which Frei did not need to stand on his head in order for Toronto to get a result. He played his role and made the saves that he needed to, while being vocal in leading the back line.



Richard Eckersley – 5.5

Another solid two-way performance by Eckersley, who relentless work ethic looks to be rubbing off on his teammates. Currently on loan from Burnley, the TFC should be looking at discussions to make his move to North America permanent.



Doneil Henry – 5

The 18 year old centre back got off to a tough start when he was caught out of position on the opening goal by the Galaxy, but he settled down after that and did just fine against a formidable opponent on the road.



Ty Harden – 5.5

The often maligned centre back had a fine game and was generally solid, with some excellently timed tackles in the Toronto box. With pretty much abandoning playing the ball out of the back on the ground, Harden was much more in his element as he played to his strengths.



Danleigh Borman – 6.5

The best match that Borman has had as a member of Toronto FC. He was active on both ends of the pitch, as he used to his pace effectively on both the offensive and defensive fronts. His cross on Gordon’s first goal was absolutely perfect. If Borman can play like this consistently, it will be a huge boost for Toronto FC.



Toni Tchani – 5

Tchani’s night was ended early by a vicious tackle by David Beckham. It looks like the young TFC midfielder could be out of action for some time.



Nathan Sturgis – 5

Sturgis was quietly effective in a fairly anonymous performance. While the former Sounder was better than some of his early season appearances, he is going to have show a lot more if he hopes to keep getting minutes when all of the Toronto midfielders are healthy. Jacob Peterson – 5

Like Tchani, it’s hard to rate Peterson due to the fact that left this one early due to injury in the 43rd minute. Until that point he was generally delivering what we have come to expect from him this year. Michel Yourassowsky – 5.5

Yourassowsky was one of the more energetic and active players for Toronto, as he constantly won fouls against the Galaxy defenders. A strong bounce back performance by the well-travelled first year Red.



Nick Soolsma - 5

While the young Dutchman wasn’t one of the offensive stars against the Galaxy, his work ethic was evident and looked to run at the Los Angeles back line whenever he got the chance.

Maicon Santos – 6

TFC’s Brazilian captain looks to be heating with the appearance of summer. One of his strongest games this season, as he looked capable of scoring every time he found a little space to let one loose from distance. Subs

*MOTM* Alan Gordon – 7

Javier Martina – 5