10 things on Toronto FC

For the first time since last November’s historic head-to-head in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC will once again clash in the first of a minimum of five games this year between the two great Canadian rivals. Same as last year’s playoff series, it will be a home-and-away, winner takes all format, this time to lift the Voyageurs Cup. Here are 10 things about the enemy dwelling at the other side of A-20, which becomes the 401.
Context
Flying high on top of the MLS general standings, Toronto FC is playing as if it had something to avenge… Possibly this penalty shootout loss at the hands of Seattle Sounders FC, at home, in the MLS Cup final, on December 10. The fourth-best attack in the league coupled with the third-best defense, however, has lost two of its last five games in all competitions, in Ottawa, in the Canadian Championship semifinals first leg, and at Gillette Stadium, in New England. In fact, away from home, TFC is far from invincible, as its record of three wins, two losses and three draws in the league this season testifies.
Current form (across all competitions)
W-L-W-W-L-D
Head coach
Greg Vanney (40-32-22 all-time as Toronto FC head coach and in MLS) became TFC head coach on August 31, 2014. He is also the club’s technical director. A professional player for 13 seasons in the United States and in France, Vanney then worked on youth development, most notably at Real Salt Lake and at Chivas USA, before joining TFC in December 2013. After taking on jobs as assistant general manager and TFC Academy director, he became the ninth head coach in club history, replacing Ryan Nelsen.
Current top scorer
Jozy Altidore (7)
Players to watch

1.Víctor Vázquez (#7) – The 30-year-old Spanish recruit, who arrived this winter from Cruz Azul, in Mexico, already registered eight MLS assists. A danger on set pieces as well as on crosses, he also breaks defensive lines with his passes to the forwards.

2.Raheem Edwards (#44) – Already five assists in league play this season for the 21-year-old Canadian winger. His speed on the flanks can be lethal.

3.Jozy Altidore (#17) – There is no need to introduce the big guy leading TFC’s line. The top goal scorer in the Queen City this season, he is used to wreaking havoc against the Bleu-blanc-noir.

Team profile
In a similar fashion to last year, TFC looks to crowd the middle and to lean on a very potent attacking trio, comprised of Giovinco, Altidore, and Vázquez. The first one is there to run at the defense and dribble, winning free kicks for his – too many – falls, the second works hard with his back to goal to win physical duels and allow his team to move up field, while being a damaging presence for the centre backs, and the third is like the oil in the engine, with dangerous crossing ability. Further behind, Michael Bradley dictates the tempo and the direction of Toronto’s attacks, often patiently, all the while stopping the opponent’s progress with tackles or interceptions. And if the defensive line is mostly solid, its Achilles heel is found between the lines, where space can be found to quickly combine, either in the middle or on the right.
In 2017 :

*Source for all data is Opta
Tactical formation
It has been a while since Vanney opted for a three-man defense and the results follow. Lineup against D.C. United (June 17): Bono, Mavinga, Moor, Zavaleta; Morrow, Vázquez, Bradley, Delgado, Beitashour; Giovinco, Altidore.
Most recent games against the Impact
Toronto FC won both home-and-away series in 2016 against the Bleu-blanc-noir, starting with the Canadian Championship semifinals by a 4-2 aggregate score, then a memorable and tough to swallow Eastern Conference final, 7-5 after extra time.
Injuries, absences and call-ups (as of June 20)
D Nick Hagglund (knee)
F Tosaint Ricketts (thigh)
Upcoming games
Toronto FC v New England Revolution (MLS, June 23)
Toronto FC v Montreal Impact (Canadian Championship, June 27)
FC Dallas v Toronto FC (MLS, July 1)