Photo: Nelson Lucindo (Prost Amerika)
Watching Vancouver zoom to the top of the league and Montreal Impact bound into the CONCACAF Champions League cup final cannot be helping the mood at Toronto FC.
The big spending Ontarians started so well, winning their opener 1-3 in Vancouver but have lost every game since. The brightest spark as it were came with the lightening storm that interrupted their loss in Dallas. They hauled back a 3-0 deficit to 3-2 before the clock gave out on them, but surely it represented a change in momentum.
That was the hope and it it became the reality in Florida as the Reds deservedly waltzed to a 0-2 win over Orlando courtesy of a Jozy Altidore brace, despite rumours and subsequent denials that head coach Greg Vanney is in trouble.
Damien Perquis and Ashtone Morgan both needed lengthy treatment in the first half in Orlando as if Greg Vanney’s defender injury problems weren’t worrisome enough. Centre half Nick Hagglund had already gained a yellow as early as the second for a foul on Kevin Molino minute leaving him walking on red card tightrope.
At the interval, it was goalless and nerves could have taken hold of both sides. Orlando had already lost twice at home (to DCU and Vancouver) after conceding late late goals.
But Toronto, the side who had not previously taken the lead finally took the lead inside 50 minutes. Jozy Altidore picked up a quickly taken free kick and danced around Seb Hines. The ball agonisingly slid past Donovan Ricketts and this time, not wide, but in.
Altidore added a second as Orlando were forced to leave spaces seeking that equalizer. Orlando have now suffered three home defeats which goes to show that a large supportive crowd does not guarantee you anything.
Both sides stand at a point per game but Toronto FC at least now have a momentum and have a very winnable game in Philadelphia up next. Orlando host New England on May 8.
