Toronto FC: Tsubasa Endoh Opens MLS Account in Style (Video)
By Paul Taylor
Toronto FC get their home campaign off to a winning start against FC Dallas, courtesy of first round draft pick Tsubasa Endoh’s first goal for the club.
Toronto FC entered their home opener in high spirits, after equaling the MLS record for best start in a season by a team on a lengthy road spell. The general mood of optimism was only enhanced, by playing their first game at the recently renovated BMO Field, which looks as spectacular as promised.
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However, TFC weren’t going to take anything granted, facing an FC Dallas team which they had only beaten once in 14 all-time meetings. Further, the visitors arrived in Southern Ontario, tied for the most points in MLS.
Regardless, Toronto FC gave their fans the storybook ending they were looking for, courtesy of a 1-0 win. FC Dallas made the Reds work hard, but in the end they were worthy of the three points.
Unsurprisingly, Sebastian Giovinco was part of the winning goal – he has been involved in all 10 this season for TFC. However, it was Tsubasa Endoh who took most of the plaudits, courtesy of his contribution in the move, which included a sweet finish past Jesse Gonzalez:
Certainly, both Endoh and Greg Vanney will have been as relieved as they were excited by the 22-year old’s first goal for the club. The Toronto FC head coach took somewhat of a gamble, by selecting him in ninth overall in this year’s draft.
In many respects, TFC were the very essence of a team. About the only thing they didn’t do, was put the game out of reach with more clinical finishing. Fortunately, they were once again helped by a revamped back line, which has so far conceded the fewest goals in MLS.
Vanney made reference to this, when talking to Sportsnet’s John Molinaro and the rest of the media after the game: “It’s an important win for us, and we did it in a fashion where, I just don’t think that under my time and many times before (my tenure) that we would have held on and won a game like that.
“We defended very, very well, we were a unit. We gave away one chance… We left it difficult for ourselves but at the same time I was proud of the group sticking together and gritting it out.”
In truth, this game was really about the fans, who have remained loyal throughout a mostly unsuccessful 10 years in MLS. On the evidence of this season (so far) and last, it looks like they are finally going to be rewarded with a team which will be a consistent contender.
Toronto-born Will Johnson remarked to Molinaro about the vibe from the 30,000+ supporters, who packed into BMO Field: “I haven’t quite seen an atmosphere like that in a long time.
“It had a real European feel to it with the smoke and the noise. It was special.”
Indeed, “special” seems to be the appropriate word for the mood surrounding this season. The next game should have an equally special feel to it, as TFC welcome a visit from their West Coast rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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What did you take away from TFC’s home opener? Is this season now turning into something special, or do you still need more convincing? Let us know in the comments section below.