Posted by

Steve Bottjer ,

August 3, 2011 Email Steve Bottjer



Toronto FC 2 – Real Esteli 1

While this result probably needs to be taken with a grain of salt due to the level of the competition, there genuinely was a lot to like about the professional manner in which Toronto FC got the job done down in Nicaragua. As a team that has consistently underperformed and found ways to drop points this year, TFC played the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round like a team that looks like it is final finding its way. The Reds badly needed a result to keep them in contention for something this year and it should not be underplayed that they got the job done. With the trading of Maicon Santos to FC Dallas, Torsten Frings wore the captain’s armband, as he was officially anointed the on the pitch leader of Toronto FC after having filled the role unofficially since his arrival in Toronto. The former German International linked up well with Terry Dunfield in the middle of pitch and Milos Kocic delivered a fine performance to redeem himself for the mistake he made in the home leg. Joao Plata was fully in his element for the full ninety minutes and CONCACAF veteran Ryan Johnson delivered the goods needed to get his team to the next round of the competition. The fact that Toronto have made the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League is good news for the franchise and a welcome development for TFC supporters. The Reds now need to take the positive momentum they have built up over the last couple of weeks and use it push them to stronger and more consistent performances in the MLS. 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:



Milos Kocic – 6

A nice bounceback performance for the young backup keeper. He didn’t have to do a whole in this match, but when he was called upon, he was professional and solid. Kocic did a fine job dealing with any balls sent into his box. Danleigh Borman – 5

After a couple of games in Aron Winter’s doghouse, Borman responded with a controlled and solid game. The wayward delivery on his crosses was replaced a number of near perfect balls into the Real Esteli box. The South African fullback delivered a nice balance between offense and defense in a difficult environment.



Andy Iro – 5.5

While he again looked a little bit clumsy on a couple of plays and was called for a handball leading to penalty kick, Iro still delivered one of his better performances since joining Toronto FC. He used his superior size and strength very effectively against a smaller side, while being composed on the ball in both sides of the pitch.



Doneil Henry – 5.5

Henry was back at centre back in a tough environment and he came through with flying colours. It wasn’t an especially exceptional game, but he did his job well in an important match against a side that was on the ropes and pushing forward as if their lives depended on it.



Richard Eckersley – 5.5

A gritty two-way game by the Englishman who has quickly become a fan favourite and a key cog in the TFC machine. He picked his spots and moved forward with pace and authority while also delivering a physical and tenacious defensive performance.



Torsten Frings – 6

In a performance that only highlighted his experience and winning approach, Frings played a mature and controlled game in front of a young back four. The former Werder Bremen captain lead his team with authority in a very tidy performance in which he didn’t lose the ball even one time. Terry Dunfield – 6

The Canadian midfielder made his first start for Toronto FC and he didn’t disappoint, as he brought a different dimension to the team with a gritty two way game and a number of excellent physical tackles that consistently broke up the opposition attack. MOTM Ryan Johnson – 7

Another top notch game by the former San Jose Earthquakes attacker. His two goals paced TFC to victory under challenging circumstances. His first goal was the result of a truly beautiful strike, while he made his second look easy when it was anything but. Johnson has very quickly asserted himself as one of TFC’s key players.



Javier Martina – 4.5

The Dutchman was underwhelming and appearing disinterested in his first competitive match in Central America. Given the urgency of the situation, Aron Winter made the right decision to substitute him very early in the match.



Joao Plata – 6.5

The gifted and nimble winger was again the straw that stirred the drink for Toronto FC. He looked dangerous all evening and kept the Real Esteli defenders on their back heels for the full ninety minutes. If you had to name a Most Valuable Player over the two legs, it was undoubtedly Toronto’s 19 year old wunderkind.



Peri Marosevic– 5

A solid but unspectacular performance by the oddly numbered former FC Dallas player in his first start as a member of TFC. His work rate was good and both his movement off the ball and defensive play was generally strong.

