TFC have to win it all to be the best club in MLS history
By Nick McAdam
It’s no secret that the current Toronto FC squad is among the best in MLS history, but what will it take to be considered number one of all time?
Week 27 of the MLS season has passed and Toronto FC yet again looked like the most dominant club in the league. TFC made the San Jose Earthquakes look like amateurs, defeating them 4-0 with the help of a brace from Jozy Altidore.
Toronto FC’s overall record of 17-8-3, gives them 59 points in 28 games, which is well on pace for the MLS record for points in a season, set by the ’98 LA Galaxy squad. The Reds are undefeated at BMO Field this season, with a 11-3-0 record.
Greg Vanney’s squad aren’t just going for the most MLS points in history. They are currently on pace for the most wins, goals and points per game. Not to mention the team is also going for the best goal differential and fewest losses in a season.
With six more regular season games left, it’s pretty clear Toronto are well on their way to winning the Supporters Shield. The Reds are also the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season.
The brilliance of each individual player has contributed to the overall success of the team. Fans and teammates alike know the overall value of Sebastian Giovinco, who is the top player in North America and also making a case as the best in MLS history.
The depth of this squad is truly remarkable. TFC currently have players involved in the top five for most goals, assists, shots on goal and save percentage. The Reds have featured a starting player on the MLS Team of the Week 23 times, while having others make the bench 17 times.
Giovinco has been named Player of the Week three times this season. Meanwhile, Justin Morrow earned his place after a two-goal performance in Week 23.
So, what if TFC smash all the MLS team records? What if the players conquer their individual feats? Will Toronto FC be considered the best MLS squad in history?
As mentioned before, it’s certain that TFC are among the best. No doubt about it. But, the playoffs and the MLS Cup Final can be a whole different ball game.
Every historical stat record the Reds’ are looking to break is held by teams who didn’t win the MLS Cup. Teams like the 1998 LA Galaxy and the 2014 Seattle Sounders couldn’t achieve the ultimate glory.
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This could set Toronto apart from the rest, or it could haunt them in the end. The Reds must win it all to be considered the best in history and it’s not as if they don’t have the squad to go far in the playoffs.
In fact, 18 players on this year’s roster featured on the squad that made it to the Cup final last year. Toronto FC have beaten the likes of the Portland Timbers, Chicago Fire and New York City FC by a margin of three goals or more this season.
The absolute best in MLS history isn’t that far down the tunnel. The Reds currently have an outstanding squad that outclasses the rest of the MLS. The praise is well deserved.
TFC also have six more games left in the regular season with more to come in the playoffs. For right now though, it might just be best to sit back, watch the brilliance and hope the outstanding form continues.
Next: TFC clinch playoff spot in dominating fashion