Welcome to Counter Attack, Sportsnet’s Monday column that recaps the weekend and previews the week ahead for the three Canadian teams in Major League Soccer.
Talk about two teams going in opposite directions.
The Vancouver Whitecaps keep on finding ways to win, and sit atop the MLS table, while Toronto FC continued to be dogged by defensive issues, and plummet towards the bottom of the standings.
Vancouver is led by a coach who adjusts his game-plan as required and has built a balanced roster. TFC’s manager appears stuck in his tactical ways, and is relying on a squad that is top heavy with DPs but lacking in “every day” players who can provide stability and quality.
The Montreal Impact, meanwhile, have enjoyed their vacation from MLS duties as they prepare for the biggest match in franchise history.
What happened this weekend?
• Salt Lake 0, Vancouver 1
• Dallas 3, Toronto 2
Records
• Montreal Impact: 0-2-2, 2 points (10th in Eastern Conference)
• Toronto FC: 1-4-0, 3 points (9th in Eastern Conference)
• Vancouver Whitecaps: 5-2-1, 16 points (1st in Western Conference)
What did we learn this weekend?
Giovinco only TFC DP living up to billing: Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley were sensational in TFC’s season opening win in Vancouver. Since then, the American duo has been pretty quiet as the Reds have lost four in a row. If Toronto FC is going to make the playoffs this year it needs its top stars—its designated players—to consistently be their best players. Bradley and Altidore haven’t been at their best since Vancouver. Sebastian Giovinco, on the other hand, has grown more comfortable and influential in MLS with each passing week. He was the lone bright spot for the Reds in Saturday’s dismal showing in Dallas, scoring two goals courtesy of two pieces of great individual skill—and making the game appear closer than it really was. The former Juventus man has given the Reds everything they’ve asked for when they signed him: goals, creativity, and a dynamic element to the overall attack. The Atomic Ant has been a terrific signing, but he can’t do it alone. Altidore and Bradley need to step up and match the level of the Italian’s wonderful performances.
The maturation of Mattocks: Darren Mattocks netted his second goal of the season on Saturday, nodding home a sublime cross from Russell Teibert in the 80th minute to help the Whitecaps earn their first ever road win over Real Salt Lake. Mattocks bagged the winner, but he also put in an all-around performance in a game where the Whitecaps needed something extra from all their attackers due to the suspension of influential playmaker Pedro Morales. Mattocks obliged by using his speed to not only venture forward but also in tracking back to help break up a few RSL counter attacks. This was a mature outing for the Jamaican who was a bit of a loose cannon in his rookie year but has done a lot of growing up over the last two seasons. Mattocks deserves plaudits for working hard and rounding out his overall game. Part of the credit also goes to coach Carl Robinson who has mentored the Jamaican speedster. We’re now seeing the benefits.
Upcoming schedule
• Club America vs. Montreal (Wednesday, 10:00 pm ET)
• Vancouver vs. DC (Saturday, 10:30 pm ET)
• Orlando vs. Toronto (Sunday, 7:00 pm ET)
Wednesday programming alert: Watch Club America vs. Montreal Impact in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final live on Sportsnet World. Coverage starts at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Stories to follow
Tricky Azteca visit for Impact: The Montreal Impact travel to Mexico City on Wednesday for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final against Club America. The Impact are the first Canadian club—and only the second MLS side—to reach the final, and have the advantage of playing the decisive second leg at home on April 29. America thrashed Herediano 6-0 at Azteca in the second leg of the semifinals after losing the opener in Costa Rica. Azteca is an intimidating stadium—just ask Herediano—and it’s far from the easiest place for visiting teams to earn a result. The Impact can’t afford to play it safe in Mexico, and must avoid the temptation to drop deep and bunker down defensively. They have to show some attacking intent and try to maintain possession—otherwise they’re going to get steamrolled by America. Montreal must strike the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking adventure. Putting as many players as they can behind the ball in an attempt to thwart America would be asking for trouble at Azteca.
The Caldwell & Bloom Watch: Injuries and suspensions have forced TFC coach Greg Vanney to field makeshift backlines over the last few games. The results have been disastrous—the Reds have conceded 11 goals and yet to record a clean sheet through the first five matches of the campaign. Vanney has said that things will get better once he has all of his first stringers back. So it’ll be interesting to keep close tabs on the progress of veteran centre back Steven Caldwell and right fullback Mark Bloom this week. Both have missed a significant time this season (Bloom has yet to play) while recovering from calf problems. Caldwell had a scan last week and the hope was that he would return to training this week and might be available for Sunday’s match in Orlando. Bloom travelled to Dallas (he didn’t play), although he is closer to returning than Caldwell. Both would be welcome additions to a defence that has leaked goals this season.
How will Techera fit in at Vancouver?: Vancouver did well to earn a road win in Utah without Pedro Morales, who has served his suspension and will be available for Saturday’s home match vs. D.C. United. His return and the recent signing of Uruguayan winger Cristian Techera pose some interesting selection issues for coach Carl Robinson. Assuming he switches back to the 4-2-3-1 formation he uses when Morales plays (Robinson implemented a more defensive 4-3-1-2 against Salt Lake), how will the Welshman fit Techera into his line-up? Although Techera and Mattocks are different kinds of players, they will essentially be competing against one another for playing time up front and on the flanks. Will the in-form Mattocks make way for Techera? Will Mauro Rosales, who’s been solid since joining the Whitecaps last season, be relegated to the bench? How will Robinson accommodate Techera without disrupting a formation and tactical formula that has worked wonders thus far this season?
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