Toronto FC: 3 takeaways from 0-0 draw with New England Revolution

2. Forward thinking

Five short days ago, after Akinola’s incredible three-goal performance in TFC’s 4-3 win over the Montreal Impact, we posited that Greg Vanney might have to make a very difficult decision, regarding who starts at forward when everyone return to health. After Tuesday morning, however, it might be that this decision never even rears its head.

In the 86th minute of Tuesday’s match, Altidore replaced Chris Mavinga, meaning a formation change was in order. For the next handful of minutes, Altidore and Akinola co-existed beautifully at the top of the pitch, engaging in free-flowing passing and interlocking runs that seemed to trouble a New England backline that had been nothing short of resolute all day long.

For his first touch of the tournament, Altidore slid the ball to Akinola, who was then hauled down on the edge of the penalty area. Referee Jair Marrufo initially pointed to the spot, but upon review, determined that the foul took place outside of the penalty area.

Altidore and Akinola then linked up again, when the latter played a tidy chip pass to the former that sliced right through the Revs’ defence. Altidore also played a shot on target late in the match that somewhat incidentally smashed off the hand of a New England defender in the box; no penalty was given.

Of course all of this is subject to change when Ifunanyachi Achara returns from injury next season, but for the time being, instead of it being either/or, why can’t it be both? If Altidore and Akinola continue to show this chemistry, and Vanney is willing to alter his formation, the student and the master could be linking up for a long time to come.