TORONTO—July is going to be a big test for Toronto FC.
Currently sitting in fourth place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, the Reds have four crucial league matches during the month, including tough visits to the LA Galaxy, New York City FC and the Columbus Crew.
While playoff spots aren’t won until the final stretch of the season, the month of July could have a big impact on where TFC finishes in the final conference standings.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Toronto FC vs. D.C. United on Sportsnet 360 at 5:00 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
The challenge ahead will be even more difficult for Toronto, considering it will likely be missing Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore for the entire month—the pair leaves on Sunday to join the U.S. national team for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.
No doubt, the absences of its captain and second-leading scorer will hit TFC hard. But the loss of midfielder Jonathan Osorio could hurt just as much. Like left fullback Ashtone Morgan and third-string goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, Osorio will leave Toronto after Saturday’s home game against D.C. United to play for Canada at the Gold Cup.
To look at the statistics, you’d be forgiven for thinking Osorio has had a quiet season for TFC—he has just two assists and no goals in 13 league appearances (11 as a starter). The stats don’t tell the entire story, though. Osorio, a 23-year-old native of Toronto, has been one of the Reds’ most consistent players in 2015, winning plaudits for his vibrant play, especially in recent weeks.
A dangerous attacking presence in the midfield, Osorio has looked far more composed and decisive when in possession this season compared to past campaigns. Whereas before his instinct was to make the easy pass, now he’s looking to get forward more, make plays and combine with Bradley in the midfield, and with Altidore and Sebstian Giovinco up front. His decision making has become quicker, too.
Osorio has put in the hard work, and he also credits the calibre of his teammates as having an influence in improving his personal game.
“Right now, the team around me has done a good job of giving me confidence to express my myself, and be free and play the way I’ve always played my whole life—to be free and be creative in certain spots I get to on the field,” Osorio said.
His excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed by coach Greg Vanney, who explained the Canadian international has grown more comfortable on the pitch over time as his role has become more defined.
“A lot of it comes down to clarity of roles and understanding what’s expected of you, and then just being the best player you can be within the structure of the system. He’s been doing that and he’s been thriving in the environment,” Vanney stated.
A slight positional change has also led to Osorio’s excellent form.
“He’s playing more central. Last year at times he played coming off wide positions. Now he’s playing more centrally and that gets him more involved,” Vanney explained.
“He’s picking up the ball in good areas. He’s got good numbers around him that can help him combine which is his style of play; it suits him. He’s just growing on confidence and finding the right opportunities.”
Speaking of opportunities, Osorio has registered seven shots this season, with only one on target, although he has had some good looks on goal. Vanney would like to see the Canadian put some of them away.
“He’s had a few chances in front of goal, and I’m just looking forward to him getting that first goal under his belt,” Vanney said.
After the D.C. game, Osorio will fly out to California for Canada’s training camp ahead of their first Gold Cup game on July 8 against El Salvador in Los Angeles.
Osorio has earned 11 caps since making his debut for Canada in 2013. He played the full 90 minutes in the Reds’ recent World Cup qualifying win over Dominica, and is expected to be a key starter for Benito Floro at this World Cup—especially with Atiba Hutchinson and Will Johnson both absent.
Osorio has mixed feelings about being away from TFC for an extended period of time, but he also believes this Gold Cup is crucial for the long-term future for the national team.
“It’s always tough leaving this club, especially at this time when we’re on such a good run. At the same time I love representing my country and this is a big time for our country, it’s really huge,” Osorio said.
“These results are very important because they might decide the future of football in this country. If we do (well), we turn a lot of heads and maybe younger players start to believe in themselves (more). It’s huge. I’m really looking forward to this challenge coming up.”
