Prior to the game against Houston on Saturday, Darren O’Dea was yelling encouragement to the team to start strong, get their heads into the game and compete hard early.
It is a shame that he didn’t send the same message to the squad prior kick-off against Montreal, because whatever was said in the clubhouse at the half worked well to change their approach to the game.
The first half appeared to be the old TFC style, balls going to black holes and players trying to do everything themselves once in the attacking zone. It illustrated a lack of teamwork on the pitch that has become familiar to many of the faithful at BMO Field.
With a change in approach for the second half, we saw a better side challenging Montreal. Since this club has not been together very long and the group on the field have not had even less time on pitch, it was impressive to see them all playing the same game and executing it as a team.
It was positive to have Bostock and Califf back in the lineup and seeing both Kyle Bekker and Emery Welshman getting quality minutes puts some faith in me that management has confidence in these first year players.
With the latter both being young Canadians, I also hope that they may grow into leaders with the national team building chemistry as teammates.
Montreal were without key team members in Di Vaio and Nesta for the match, but with the return leg, Toronto could counter O’Dea and Earnshaw, adding maturity and experience to the Reds squad.
The team lineups for next week’s return leg to Montreal should be an area of interest to both sets of fans. Last night was the Impact’s first match after a 10 day rest, but they now face a quick series of 6 games over the next 2.5 weeks.
Toronto’s schedule is similar, but their 6 game sprint started with the 1-1 draw against Houston this past Saturday.
Montreal could prove to be more focused on the MLS regular season and it could lead to a weaker side in the Canadian Championship, giving their top squad a rest before facing San Jose, New York and Real Salt Lake.
For Toronto the 4 championship banners could have a factor on where to expend team energy. This championship could also be used as a rallying point to bring internal success and pride to TFC under their first year head coach.
For people watching, this will create a competitive 2nd game in this series, the forecasted sunny 24C day in Montreal next Wednesday should also drive people to Saputo Stadium, giving the Impact a boost from the crowd.
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Slideshow of images from Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact - April 24, 2013
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