Fresh off a big home win over the San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC players are already looking ahead to this Saturday’s road game against the Eastern Conference-leading D.C. United.
Here are some news and notes from TFC’s training session on Tuesday….
Seba’s the best in MLS
Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco was named Major League Soccer’s player of the week after recording two assists in a 3-1 win over San Jose on Saturday.
The Italian playmaker has five goals in six MLS matches this season, and this award underlines how he’s quickly become one of the best players in the league.
“I’m happy about (the award). It’s nice news because it means I’m working hard,” Giovinco said through an interpreter.
Coach Greg Vanney heaped praise on the former Juventus star.
“I think Seba’s been amazing, especially in the last few games. … For me, I’m just excited every day we come out, whether it’s in training or in a game, to see what he comes up with next because he’s clearly a special player who can do a lot of things,” Vanney gushed.
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Injury updates
Vanney confirmed that right fullback Mark Bloom, who has yet to play a single game this season, has recovered from a series of lingering injuries and will be available for selection for Saturday’s game against D.C.
Goalkeeper Joe Bendik will also be in the 18-man roster after recently sitting out games due to a foot problem. Midfielder Collen Warner (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday’s contest vs. D.C.
Canadian call-ups for Osorio, Morgan
Left fullback Ashtone Morgan and midfielder Jonathan Osorio were named to Canada’s roster for a pair of upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Canada will play the tiny Caribbean island of Dominica in a two-game playoff in the second round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Dominica will host the first leg on June 11, with the return match five days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.
Morgan has earned 12 caps since making his senior team debut in 2011, but he’s only made one appearance for Canada since November, 2013. Last season, Morgan struggled for playing time at TFC. This season, he’s become a regular starter for the club again, paving the way for his recall by Canadian national team coach Benito Floro.
“Getting my minutes, playing well, and playing with confidence,” Morgan answered when asked what led to his return into the national team fold.
He later added: “From last year to this year, I’ve just been patiently waiting. It was a tough (time) but I kept on grinding through it and had a lot of perseverance and just waited for my time.”
Morgan also credited Vanney, a former left fullback during his playing career, for his resurgence.
“In terms of his evolution, a big part of it is confidence and belief, and somebody who believes him. He’s been able to relax and play a little bit and do the things he does very well,” Vanney offered.
“On the other side of it, there were a few things we wanted to adjust in his game—from a decision-making standpoint, from being less aggressive in certain situations, and controlling things and allowing his speed and quickness to be an asset, versus to getting himself into challenges that maybe he didn’t have to make.”
Bradley called up by U.S.
TFC have a bye week after the D.C. United game and won’t play again until June 20, which means Osorio and Morgan won’t miss any action for the Reds.
The same can’t be said of captain Michael Bradley, who has been called up by the U.S. national team for a pair of friendlies against the Netherlands in Amsterdam (June 5) and Germany in Cologne (June 10). Bradley flew out to join the U.S. camp on Sunday, and he’ll miss the D.C. game.
“It’s not exciting to see him go but that’s part of the responsibility that he has playing for club and country,” Vanney said philosophically.
What’s interesting is that the match against the Dutch doesn’t fall on an official FIFA international date, which means, technically, Toronto doesn’t have to release Bradley. Did TFC consider not letting Bradley go for the Netherlands game?
“There was a lot of thought and ongoing discussion, and it wasn’t until the final hour that things worked out the way they did. It is what it is,” Vanney said.
Vanney explained there were talks between TFC and U.S. soccer officials about the situation before the MLS club agreed to release Bradley.
“The timing of the (Dutch) game is poor because there’s a (FIFA) window and if the game was in the window then it would be very clear for everybody. … It’s one of those situations where everybody is working together for a solution,” Vanney explained.
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