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Toronto FC need to take advantage of Canadian Championship glory

By Paul Taylor

Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Will Toronto FC be galvanised by winning the Canadian Championship and use it to put together a run of form and secure a playoff spot?

Its been a tough season for Toronto FC. Struggling in the league, just missing out on Champions League glory and ongoing injury issues, have combined to make it a miserable campaign so far.

Wednesday night, however, provided some welcome relief for TFC and their fans, courtesy of the Canadian Championship. Thanks to a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Reds secured the trophy for the third year in a row.

Jozy Altidore led the way with a hat-trick, while Sebastian Giovinco and Tosaint Ricketts added further goals to secure the 7-4 aggregate scoreline. TFC have now won the trophy seven times, which is the most in tournament history.

Arguably of more importance, Toronto FC also secured a place in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. After coming agonizingly close in this season’s final, they can now aim to take the final step next year.

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Of course, that’s for the future. For now, it is a case of what TFC do from here on out?

More specifically, can the Canadian Championship win galvanise the Reds and help them secure a playoff spot? While they certainly have the talent, time is running out.

Toronto FC find themselves seven points out of the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with 11 contests remaining. In theory, that’s more than enough games for them to turn things around and get a precious playoff spot.

However, it will take more effort and consistency than the team has shown up to this point. In addition, errors must be cut down dramatically, to give TFC a genuine shot.

Coach Greg Vanney is well aware of what’s at stake and hopes Wednesday night’s win can spur them on. As reported by John Molinaro of Sportsnet, Vanney said:

"“League wise, we haven’t been able to take off that way we wanted to. That’s one of the reasons why tonight was even more important. It was a final, but it was also for us an important night to win a championship, to get that back under our belt, to use this as a way to build confidence and momentum down this final stretch (of the MLS season).”"

One thing that will help Toronto FC significantly, is that this is as healthy as they’ve been all season. With the return of Drew Moor, the only player they are now missing is Auro, who is out with a hamstring injury.

Now, it’s just a case of the team pulling together and showing the form which broke MLS records and won the domestic treble last year. The quest for the playoffs continues on Saturday, when TFC are in San José to face the Earthquakes.

Next. Drew Moor's return provides a major boost. dark

What impact do you predict the Canadian Championship win will have on Toronto FC? Will they have enough to secure a spot in the MLS playoffs, or will they fall short? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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