Toronto FC send the Galaxy into a black hole
By Nick McAdam
No Sebastian Giovinco or Jozy Altidore? No problem! Toronto FC earned their sixth-straight win and moved to within six of the record for most points in a season.
Toronto FC dominated San Jose last weekend, with a scoreline of 4-0. Greg Vanney’s side did it again this weekend, by tearing apart the LA Galaxy 4-0 at the StubHub Center.
The absence of both Giovinco and Altidore from the lineup enabled players like Victor Vasquez and Drew Moor to step up to the challenge, and they sure did in this one.
Toronto set the pace early. TFC forward Tosaint Ricketts drew a foul that set up a Vasquez free kick in the 24th minute.
Vasquez seemed to catch the Galaxy off guard, as his shot dinged off the post. Drew Moor was luckily there to head the ball home. Another early 1-0 start.
One of the most lethal abilities of Toronto FC this season is there constant pressing against the opposition. They get a quick goal and just keep coming at an opponent.
The Reds did the same in this contest. About 12 minutes later, midfielder Nicolas Hasler played a ball towards Ricketts, who got his foot around the lurking defender to tuck it home – 2-0 for the Reds.
In the 76th minute, brilliant team play from TFC led Vasquez to send in Ricketts, who fired home his second/ There isn’t really a way to explain the interplay involved. Look at this instead:
Three short minutes later and the Reds put the dagger in the Galaxy with a Vasquez goal, to make it 4-0. Goalkeeper Alex Bono punted the ball towards Vasquez while the Galaxy defenders were at a standstill. Vasquez made no mistake, burying the final goal of the night.
Final: 4-0 Toronto FC
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It’s been said before, but this side is really on another level. Two of their best players not involved in the squad and the Reds still go out and handle business. That’s the depth required for the playoffs.
With five games left on the regular season schedule, it’s looking more and more certain that Toronto is going to break the record for most points in a single season.
The Man of the Match for me has to go to Vasquez. TFC needed to step up in this one, and Vasquez did just that by providing an early assist.
The Spaniard was right in the middle of the brilliant interplay that set up Ricketts’ brace. And he capped off a beautiful night with a goal of his own.
Next: TFC have to win the MLS Cup
Next Match
Toronto take on the Montreal Impact in their next match at BMO Field. The fixture will take place on Sept. 20 and you can catch the game on TSN. Look for the recap of that contest right here on Tip of the Tower.