TFC’s march to the 2012 MLS Cup began in style tonight, with a 5-1 whitewashing of the Powerhouse University of South Florida.
Ok, maybe not quite, but scoring five goals against live opposition should not be completely ignored. Let’s recall that this wasn’t the first time TFC has played USF. The Preki Reds struggled to a 1-0 win in the 2010 pre-season.
You can bet that if that result was duplicated tonight that there would be full-on panic amongst some of the more excitable within the fandom.
The star of the night was first round draft pick Luis Silva, who had a brace inside 20 minutes. He added two assists to lay further claim to a starting position in the surprisingly loaded TFC midfield.
Far be it for CSN to suggest that he is a pre-season favourite to be a Rookie of the Year candidate.
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Toronto’s other goals went to Nick Soolsma, Joao Plata and Terry Dunfield.
First half line-up: Stefan Frei; Doneil Henry, Ty Harden, Miguel Aceval, Ashtone Morgan; Torsten Frings, Terry Dunfield, Luis Silva; Nick Soolsma, Ryan Johnson, Joao Plata
Second half line-up: Milos Kocic; Richard Eckersley, Geovanny Caicedo, Aaron Maund, Elbekay Bouchiba; Matt Stinson, Julian de Guzman, Eric Avila; Reggie Lambe, Danny Koevermans, Jordan Hamilton
With Toronto scoring all five goals in the first half, a particularly negative interpretation of the game could view the Reds as having lost the second half 1-0.
Jordan Hamilton is a 15-year-old TFC Academy prospect.
The game was announced at the last minute. Aron Winter told reporters last week that the club would schedule pre-season friendlies when it felt they were beneficial, but was not planning to schedule them in advance.