TFC: Calm, Cool,
Collected
How many times did those three words show up in the same
sentence as “Toronto FC” last year? Probably only when accompanied by “not.”
But the Reds looked calm and composed, compact and difficult to break down in
defense. It took a fantastic bit of combination play for the Whitecaps to get
the half-chance that Gershon Koffie fired in. New coach Ryan Nelson stressed
organization and defense in the preseason and he certainly got that tonight.
TFC didn’t get a result, but there are plenty of positives to build on,
especially considering how historically bad the defense was last season. When
the forward corps gets healthy this team will be in much better shape.
Nigel Reo Coker’s
Solid Debut
Reo Coker started the game on the bench, but entered at
halftime and played a very good second half. His experience, composure and
leadership were all on display as he helped settle Vancouver after an erratic
first 45 minutes. Expect to see him in the starting XI sooner rather than
later.
Kobayashi > Miller
at attacking mid
Vancouver started the game with Miller in a central role
underneath Mattocks and Kobayashi out wide. The results were less than stellar
as an uninspiring Miller helped the ‘Caps to just two first-half shots. After
the break, Martin Rennie changed to a 4-3-3 with Kobayashi as the tip of the
midfield triangle and Miller out wide. It’s no coincidence that Vancouver
looked much more dangerous in the second half with Kobayashi providing a
brilliant layoff pass to set up the winning goal. Whether Miller and Mattocks
can work up top remains to be seen, but the Whitecaps
would probably be better off benching the Scot to make room for Kekuta Manneh
or Camilo.
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