East Side Stand Up

Canada eases by Belize 3-0 at home and appear to be on their way to the fourth round of Russia 2018 qualifying. Despite all the possession, it wasn't pretty in terms of the goals and what that means moving forward might not be seen until November. We go over the key players that suited up for Canada, specifically Atiba Hutchinson and Will Johnson, and discuss who else will be needed for the team to have success agains the likes of Mexico and Honduras.

Both midfielders put in a MOTM performances, and both will be staying with TFC through the international break coming up next weekend. Toronto down rivals Montreal Impact 2-1 to create distance between them and also keep pace with the top half of the Eastern Conference. It wasn't a pretty display, but three points were critical to bag all six from the recent home stand. The Reds will need to hope both Benoit Cheyrou and Giovinco's injuries aren't significant as both will be needed to put up a fight against the Sounders.

Toronto FC, at home, were humbled by Sporting Kansas City 3-1. Added, it was an SKC missing their top players. The Reds once again were poor in defence and looked like they were just going through the motions waiting for the final whistle. It is a step back for a team who should be working towards firing on all cylinders ahead of the final stretch to the playoffs. With mostly home games on the schedule, it might be put behind them, but first up is another away game in New York that will be a tough test.

Our first ever episode in transit, Dan, Stephe and Spark kick it off in BMO Field and discuss what was another Giovinco masterclass as the Italian dynamo catapulted TFC to an impressive 4-1 victory over Orlando City. The opposition did not stand a chance when Seba was in possession, but he had good support from the likes of Benoit Cheyrou, Jonathan Osorio and Collen Warner. Overall, it was a positive result that will go a long way in ensuring TFC are on the home side should they make it to their first post season ever.

Toronto FC once again are letting in goals for fun and reinforcements did not make a difference in a 3-1 loss to New England. Jozy Altidore's red card in the 38th minute did not help the situation but the struggles went beyond being down to ten men. Another match where the Reds appear hopeless and disorganized defending set pieces is what resulted in the goals against and Greg Vanney has his work cut out for him to get the team harmonious from back to front with two critical home games approaching.

Toronto once again are undone by poor defence as they fought back in desperate 3-3 draw with Columbus. It was a more balanced attack from the Reds as it wasn't all Giovinco on this night, however, it was another game where it became an uphill battle to try and leave with something. The addition of Ahmed Kantari will remain to be seen if he is the missing puzzle piece that can improve the defence enough, as TFC are going to become punch drunk if they can't secure the back and keep goals out.

The Italian DP was once again in full control of TFC's result as he had his hand in both goals and almost had a brace as he was too much for the Philadelphia Union in a 2-1 win. It wasn't just Giovinco however, and Jozy Altidore looked good returning from the Gold Cup, Ashtone Morgan was solid at left back and there were few passengers in the side to ensure the Reds came away with an important three points in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto FC draw DC United 0-0 on a soggy, wet afternoon at BMO Field to stay on pace with the conference leaders. The question over the past week is how vital will the dropped home points be in the bigger picture? Aaron Neilsen and Ian Clarke have a broad discussion on the state of TFC, the recent performances and what to take from the latest results. Heading into the Gold Cup there is plenty to review regarding the play of the club to this point, how they will cope through July missing key players, and reintegrate them in August without missing a beat.

TFC were outmuscled by NYCFC and had no Plan B outside of Giovinco to come away with anything in a 2-0 loss. The battle of former Real Salt Lake coaches went to the one with the most experience as Jason Kreis didn't show off his background of fluid football, but was gritty and the perfect solution for a surging TFC and the technique of their attack. It's a match to move on from and use as motivation for Montreal midweek, but also keep in mind for the next time these two sides meet.

The CANMNT advances past Dominica as the younger players shine and give hope for the future. All eyes would have been on the likes of Cyle Larin and Tesho Akindele, but Samuel Piette, Ashtone Morgan and Jonathan Osorio all had their moments looking good for Canada in their 4-0 win over Dominica. The team advances to the next round of qualifying, but up first is the Gold Cup and what will be a much stiffer test and level of competition as this will be Benito Floro's real test of how far the team has come over the last two years.