Toronto FC extend their dominant streak clinching playoff spot
By Nick McAdam
A Jozy Altidore brace and stellar play from Victor Vasquez gives TFC another three points at BMO Field.
Toronto FC remain unbeaten at home following a 4-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. The Reds continue to lead the race for the Supporters Shield and look to be in a level of their own in MLS being the first team clinching a playoff spot.
Toronto put up an incredible amount of pressure on the Earthquake’s backline early on. In the 23rd minute, Jozy Altidore was giving a nice ball in on the far side. Altidore paced away from his defender and sent in a cross towards Justin Morrow who put it just wide of the far post.
The pressure didn’t stop there. Just three short minutes later, defender Steven Beitashour sent in a cross towards Victor Vasquez. San Jose goaltender Andrew Tarbell missed the attempt to try and punch the ball away. The ball eventually settled with Vasquez who tucked it home for a comfortable 1-0 lead.
Sebastian Giovinco was given a precious free kick attempt on the edge of the box at the 44th minute. It was hit perfectly, but the ball was tipped away from former Clemson goalie Tarbell.
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Both Vasquez and Altidore established great chemistry on the front end tonight. The 48th minute saw Vasquez feed a beautiful through-ball towards Altidore who angled in perfectly past Tarbell. Comfortable 2-0 lead for the Reds.
Vasquez caused more trouble for the San Jose defenders with some sublime dribbling technique in the 64th minute. He tried squaring Altidore again, but the ball was booted back towards Beitashour who sent in a perfect cross towards Altidore. Quakes’ defender Kofi Sarkodie missed the heading attempt away, but Altidore didn’t miss his. 3-0 for TFC and it looked safe and secure from there.
Close to a minute later, midfielder Jonathan Osorio weaved through the central defense of San Jose and buried a beauty on the edge of the box. 4-0 for the home side.
Frustrations started to amount for San Jose, and it started to show on the pitch. Earthquake’s midfielder Darwin Ceren put a late challenge on Marco Delgado. Ceren initially received a yellow, but was later sent off after video review. Game over for the Quakes.
Final: 4-0 Toronto FC
Toronto earns yet another dominant home victory. TFC have weapons from all over, and you can see how they physically and mentally break down an opponent. Whether it’s free kicks, crossing, or playing the possession game: the Reds find a way to do it all.
Greg Vanney’s side continue their quest to set multiple MLS records. This team isn’t just meant for the playoffs, but for the MLS Cup itself.
Toronto’s next match will be a crucial one against the LA Galaxy. The fixture will take place at the StubHub Center on the 16th of September.
Next: Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco making the case as the best player in MLS history