Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto FC: 4 takeaways from season-opening win in Philadelphia

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 19: Head Coach Greg Vanney of Toronto FC juggles the ball during the first half of the 2018 Campeones Cup Final against Tigres UNAL at BMO Field on September 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 19: Head Coach Greg Vanney of Toronto FC juggles the ball during the first half of the 2018 Campeones Cup Final against Tigres UNAL at BMO Field on September 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Toronto FC
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 09: Jonathan Osorio /

We break down an encouraging start for Toronto FC, as they come away from Talen Energy Stadium with a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union.

There was considerable consternation among Toronto FC fans ahead of Saturday’s MLS season opener in Philadelphia. Looking to bounce back from a nightmare season in 2018, the preparations weren’t particularly encouraging.

TFC decided to let Victor Vazquez leave, which was bad enough. This was soon followed by the loss of Sebastian Giovinco which, no matter who you believe or whose side you’re on, remains extremely questionable.

Then there was the humiliating exit at the first stage of the Champions League. And to top it all off, Jozy Altidore was still out after having offseason surgery on his ankle, while also dealing with a knee issue.

In the end though none of it mattered, as the Reds started the 2019 MLS season with a hard-earned 3-1 win against the Union. While there is still plenty to be concerned with, it’s tough to argue with three points on opening day.

As head coach Greg Vanney told Sportsnet‘s John Molinaro and the rest of the media: “It was a mentality win.” Let’s break down all the action with our four takeaways.

Home/Toronto FC