Toronto FC make history as they keep rolling with sixth consecutive win
By Paul Taylor
Toronto FC inch ever closer to MLS modern day history, with Saturday’s harder than expected victory over Minnesota United FC.
The sign of a good — or should that be special — team, is the ability to grind out wins, even when you’re not playing at your best and/or are under-strength. Toronto FC offered a prime example of this last weekend in Seattle, when they were missing four regular starters and were outplayed, but still came away with a 1-0 win.
On Saturday, the Reds did it again, this time against a Minnesota United FC team which entered the action with just two points in five road games. The expansion side stepped up and more than held their own, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
When it was all said and done, TFC had secured a harder-than-expected 3-2 victory, courtesy of another winning goal by Tosaint Ricketts. In the process, they made modern MLS history.
Other teams may have also won sixth straight games, but none have managed it in just 22 days, like Toronto FC. As noted by Mlssoccer.com‘s Matthew Doyle, TFC are now half way to the LA Galaxy’s league record of 12 consecutive wins in a season. (The all-time record is 15 straight, also set by the Galaxy, in 1997-98.)
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However, it’s worth mentioning the Galaxy’s record was set in 1996, when games couldn’t end in a tie and were decided by shootouts. A more suitable landmark is the Galaxy’s eight-game win streak in 1998, with each victory recorded in regulation time. (Credit: Elias Sports Bureau.)
Regardless, Toronto FC improved on their own franchise record for consecutive wins. Of more importance, they saw their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference extended to six points, just over one-third of the way through the season.
Perhaps the only negative, is the recent barrage of games is beginning to take its toll on the team. This was best exemplified by Sebastian Giovinco — returning after missing two games — being substituted just before halftime, with thigh tightness.
Greg Vanney has repeatedly said this is the deepest roster in franchise history, but acknowledges they are being stretched to the limit. Speaking to the Toronto Sun‘s Kurt Larson and other members of the media, he said:
"“Guys are exhausted. They put a lot into this stretch and exceeded any of our expectations over the course of this in terms of taking points in every game. They take a ton of pride in what they’ve accomplished and wanted to close out this stretch appropriately.”"
At least Toronto FC will now get some measure of rest, as they continue their assault on history. However, even though there is no mid-week game, they will next play this coming Friday instead of Saturday, when they travel to New York to face the Red Bulls.
If TFC do go on to equal or break the single-season record for consecutive regulation time wins, there will be no denying they deserve it. Ultimately though, you know they will forgo any such record, as long as they finish 2017 with the first MLS Cup in franchise history.
Next: Resting players for trip to Seattle was smart move
Are you concerned about how many games TFC have played recently? What can MLS realistically do to lighten the fixture congestion for the teams? Further, do you believe the quality of games is being affected? Share your thoughts in the comments section.