Toronto FC was back in training on Tuesday ahead of its home game against the New England Revolution this weekend.
Here are some news and notes from the day’s practice.
REDS ON BRINK OF ELIMINATION
TFC sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, 10 points and three spots back of the Montreal Impact, who hold down the sixth and final playoff berth in the East.
Toronto could be officially eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday with a loss or draw to New England and if Montreal wins away to D.C. United.
A 2-0 road loss to the New York Red Bulls last Saturday means Toronto likely has to win all of its remaining five games to have a shot at making the post-season – and even that likely won’t be enough.
Coach Greg Vanney and his players are under no illusions about the dire situation facing them.
“Everybody knows that what we have now in front of us are five games. [If we can] win the first one, [we] keep ourselves in the mix, and as long as we can keep winning, we put pressure on other teams to get results. That’s about the best we can do at this point,” Vanney said.
PLAYING FOR PRIDE AND JOBS
With the playoffs looking well beyond TFC’s grasp, thoughts about job security ahead of next season is something that players are likely thinking about. That could be a motivating factor down the last five games, according to Vanney.
“It’s probably on everybody’s mind on some level, on varying degrees depending on their situation. Whenever a season doesn’t go according to plans, there’s always a little uncomfortableness in terms of what this group might look like going into the off-season. Everybody feels a little bit of what that is like,” Vanney admitted.
That being said, Vanney insists nobody has thrown in the towel, and that every single player wants to finish the MLS campaign on a positive note.
“We’ll play to the last minute until we’re not in. … We’re still in it. Nobody is thinking otherwise, so we’re going to keep putting out the best possible teams and the best possible [lineups] to get results,” Vanney affirmed.
INJURY UPDATES
Jozy Altidore was subbed out early in the second half of the game in New York due to an ankle injury. He didn’t train on Tuesday, but the hope is that he’ll be back in practice this week, and be available of Saturday’s contest.
“I wouldn’t rule him out for the weekend yet. He’s questionable right now,” Vanney admitted.
Giovinco didn’t play against the Red Bulls due a calf injury, and the Italian worked out on his own for a short period of time during Tuesday’s practice. Vanney said he should return to full training later this week and then be able to play against the Revolution.
Defender Drew Moor has sat out the last two MLS games, as well as last week’s Campeones Cup match vs. Mexican side Tigres, with a minor calf strain. Moore tried to practice on Tuesday, but the pain was still bothering him that he left the training session early on. Vanney said Moor is “very questionable” for this weekend.
VANNEY ON ROBO’S FIRING
Moments before Vanney spoke to the media on Tuesday, the Vancouver Whitecaps announced the firing of coach Carl Robinson. The search for his replacement will begin immediately, the team said.
As someone who went up against Robinson on several occasions, Vanney had a great deal of respect for the Welshman, especially for his handling of Canadian prospect Alphonso Davies, who recently signed with Bayern Munich.
“I feel for him. He’s done a nice job there over the years in terms of putting teams together that have always been competitive. He’s also done a fantastic job in helping facilitate the development of Davies. I wish him well, and I’m sure we’ll see him again somewhere in the league,” Vanney offered.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEW ENGLAND
Like TFC, the Revolution are fighting to keep their post-season hopes alive.
New England (8-10-11) is eighth in the East, five points and two spots below Montreal with a game in hand on the Impact. Brad Friedel’s side is unbeaten in its last four outings (with one win), including a 2-2 draw vs. the Chicago Fire at home this past weekend.
The Revolution earned a 3-2 home win over TFC on May 12 in the only previous meeting between the clubs this season. Toronto has lost three of its last four games against New England dating back to last year.
Vanney feels the Revolution are dangerous because they play a high-pressing game, like the Red Bulls.
“They are a hard team to play against because they are physically up in your face all the time. I think they’re the No. 1 team in terms of fouls committed in the league,” Vanney offered.
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