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Led by Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC supporting cast putting best foot forward

 

It felt like the city had been taken by surprise. The slow-moving, archaic streetcar inched its way along Dundas, taking forever to get to Dufferin. The subsequent bus was rerouted, lost to a litany of tail-lights and car horns. Frustration, anxiety. It was time for the direct route. But after the brisk walk, another chaotic scene. With minutes until kickoff, thousands were still gathered outside BMO Field, desperately trying to either pick up tickets or scalp some. The lines were getting longer, patience thinner. Someone said a printer was broken. Someone else said it was a sellout. The game was pushed back by half an hour. It was all a bit manic.

But once inside, there was a release - an outpouring of intensity. And Toronto FC, in unfamiliar territory, used that energy as a compass.

In truth, the clash was a largely one-sided affair. Patrick Vieira – such a forceful, combative presence during his own playing days – will surely be puzzled at his side's lack of punch and aggression, particularly in midfield.

Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) breaks away from New York City FC defender Andoni Iraola (51) for a shot on goal during first half MLS soccer playoff action in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) breaks away from New York City FC defender Andoni Iraola (51) for a shot on goal during first half MLS soccer playoff action in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

It was Armando Cooper who mixed the bite with the bark, snarling one minute and controlled the next. Alongside him, Michael Bradley patrolled and swept up where necessary – a consistent and calming presence.

And while Sebastian Giovinco was the headline act, it was a mixed set from the Italian. He was handled impressively by the visitors' backline who allowed him only one clear sight of goal – an early chance that seemed a neat metaphor for his overall contribution. While he's usually so cold-blooded, here he was a little frazzled. An extra touch cost him dearly as his effort was too close to Eirik Johansen, who saved easily.

While Giovinco was kept under wraps, Jozy Altidore was given free rein. He controlled and threaded through a fine pass for the Giovinco chance and throughout he was allowed time and space to dictate things. As a result, Toronto continued to have a focal point in the final third and whenever they did conjure something noteworthy, Altidore was usually involved.

With 20 minutes left, he was on the edge of the box, carefully evading one challenge before slipping Giovinco through again. It was a slick attack and almost resulted in Jonathan Osorio tapping home at the far post.

The New York approach was to silence Giovinco, safe in the knowledge that the other cogs in Toronto's attack were prone to inconsistency. But Altidore is a persistent nuisance. As much as that's perceived as a slight, many players have made excellent careers from being just that: uncompromising and unrelenting, dogged and determined. Of course, there's a time and place. And on Sunday night, it worked a treat.

It made sense that when he grabbed the game's opening goal - he was eight yards out and completely unmarked. New York treated him as a subplot for 84 minutes and were made to pay.

Of course, this was a night for the supporting cast and those in the shadows.

Referring to his relationship with long-time assistant Peter Taylor, Brian Clough once said: "I'm the shop window. He's the goods in the back." And with their star player more than a little subdued, it was up to the sum of the parts to step forward.

Toronto FC coach wants NYCFC star David Villa suspended for kicking out at player
Toronto FC coach wants NYCFC star David Villa suspended for kicking out at player

The back three were excellent and Drew Moor, in particular, ensured David Villa cut a frustrated and forlorn presence up front before his eventual substitution. Again, it was a neat microcosm. With their marquee player well-marshalled, New York were forced to look for answers outside of their starting XI. Their hand was forced. In contrast, Toronto had enough in other areas. And when they did make changes, it worked well as Tosaint Ricketts grabbed a potentially crucial second goal deep in injury time.

For Vieira and New York's executive, this was an eye-opening experience. For all the glittering talent they've signed, history shows it's not enough in MLS. They were badly exposed in central zones and until Frank Lampard's introduction, lacked any control in the middle of the park. They failed to give Toronto's marauding fullbacks much to worry about while Villa spent the majority of his game in exile.

This represents a huge opportunity for Toronto now, on the cusp of a conference decider. The time for panic is long gone. The city can relax now.

Afterwards, as the 28,000 crowd departed, I jumped on a train back to the downtown core. Sometimes, the old-fashioned approach works best.