Toronto FC win for first time since May, handing Terry Dunfield his first W with new head coach John Herdman in the crowd
It’s been a long time coming!
Toronto FC put an end to their 10-game losing streak in style on Wednesday night, putting away the Philadelphia Union 3-1 at BMO Field.
Deandre Kerr got the nod up top for TFC and popped up with a goal and assist in the contest, swinging the match in favour of the hosts on two occasions as the Reds picked up their first win under interim head coach Terry Dunfield.
“We kept getting kicked in the balls and just kept going,” said a jubilant Dunfield after the long overdue celebration. “It was just cool to see it come together, and yeah, I just never really questioned our work. We just kept going. Yeah, just so proud.”
With incoming bench boss John Herdman in attendance, the Reds really came out to play for the first time in months, with a number of players maybe looking to make a good impression in front of their soon-to-be leader.
Something that has alluded TFC since Dunfield assumed charge on an interim basis has been the ability to take a lead. The Reds did just that against Jim Curtin’s Union with Kerr feeding Lorenzo Insigne in the 23rd minute for the Italian’s first goal since June 10.
Both Insigne and his compatriot Federico Bernardeschi were integral in the positive performance, with the two Designated Players playing up to their title, something that hasn’t quite been the case for most of 2023. On Wednesday, TFC got the most of both wingers in transition with each using their vision and quick feet to create danger in the opposition penalty area.
“At 1-1 Lorenzo is getting the guys going,” Dunfield said. “I think he’s learning how to be a superstar in the league and how to be a top teammate and I think today we saw a lot of that.
“We’re very lucky to have a player of his calibre. It’s been a pleasure working with him.”
Before the hosts could take their lead into the dressing room at halftime, Philadelphia forward Julián Carranza tied things up, sneaking to the back post where he tucked away an easy chance from close range. Not having kept a clean sheet since the last day of May in a goalless draw with the Chicago Fire, it was an avoidable goal in which Tomás Romero misjudged a Mikael Uhre cross and ended up swiping the ball straight to Carranza.
The second half got off to a slow start with neither side looking up to finding a crucial second goal. That all changed in the 58th minute as Kerr came up big for the second time on the night, fortunately capitalizing on a deflected cross from Bernardeschi. Kobe Franklin kickstarted the goal with a decisive through ball to the Italian, with the young Canadian full-back playing an important part in the winning goal.
Franklin came back for more five minutes later with TFC buzzing all around a Union side that didn’t know what hit them. Advancing up the field on his right flank, Franklin flew a ball into the path of Jonathan Osorio, who pushed forward to head past Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.
The quick one-two punch from Dunfield’s side put the Union in an uncomfortable position and unable to figure out a way back into the match as the crowd grew in voice.
It may be hard to believe given their recent record, but the score could’ve been even higher for the team that sits bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference. Bernardeschi missed two golden opportunities to make it an embarrassing away day for the Union, sending a close range shot just wide in the 65th after putting Philly defender Jack Elliott on skates, and then fluffing his effort when through on goal in the 89th minute. In-between those opportunities Kerr would strike the woodwork as TFC used some rare positive momentum to push forward as the Union took more risks.
With the game out of reach in stoppage time, Union substitute Jesús Bueno was shown a red card after a VAR review from the match official. His kick out at Raoul Petretta was initially deemed worthy of a yellow by the referee but he changed his mind after taking a look at the pitchside monitor.
After the final whistle, jubilation on the pitch and in the stands soaked into the postgame press conference as Dunfield jumped for joy after recording his first win as a head coach.
“How fun was it watching our boys play?” he asked the assembled media in the TFC press conference room with a smile on his face.
“Just before we went out we just spoke about bringing some intensity. It’s been coming for sure. The performances have been good.”
The match-winner, Kerr, also described what the mood was like in the locker room following the much-needed victory.
“Just happiness, smiles … we were laughing,” he said.
“Feelings we haven’t had in a long time.”
Unfortunately, Dunfield and his squad won’t be able to quickly use the positive momentum gained from a thrilling victory at home thanks to the international break, in which CanMNT will not play any fixtures. The Reds don’t return to action until an all-Canadian clash against the Whitecaps on September 16 which will see Richie Laryea return to BMO Field for the first time since joining Vancouver.
In the meantime fans will wonder which team will show up for that game and if the result reached on Wednesday night, combined with the Herdman unveiling, are signs of progress finally being made.
Very happy for Terry to come away from his miserable coaching tenure with one win, at least.
I didn’t watch but the stats suggest it was an even game that we finally got the bounces to go our way. That goal against wasn’t pretty from our keeper, though.
Can the happiness continue for another game? I’m curious enough that I’ll watch the next one.
Indeed this looked like an entirely different team last night. Not sure exactly what happened but the ball movement and shape was dramatically better than I have seen in months. The defence is still too jittery but as much as hate to admit it Bradley added some experience back there. For all those of you who have decided to remain silent about the incredible difference the DP’s made out there last night…there are no words…Jack Burns knows!
And it will remain silent Michael as sadly there is a hatred of our DP’s from a portion of our fans and media guys , I was expecting that the guys at WTR would post Jim Brennans response to the Insigne fueding with Dunfield calling out the Athletic article as he called it bullshit , never happened, but you can see with the articles posted here that they always frame them negatively towards both Insigne and Bernadeschi
Jack, can you please point me to where Brennan said that, I can’t seem to find it. Was it on a live broadcast? I listen to the Footy Prime podcast and I don’t remember him saying it there.
The problem with the Italians is that there is way too much smoke around them from multiple sources. John Molinaro on the last TTID podcast said his sources have told him the Italians have been “blatant and brazen with their lack of respect towards the coaching staff” which doesn’t paint them in a positive light. I don’t think they needed to be necessarily happy with where this club was when they walked in, but there are ways to go about discourse without burning it all down.
Footy prime podcast Aug 29 listen at around the 12 minute! But listening to these guys running down the Italians never mentioning how badly Bob Bradley screwed this is with all the trash players he brought in is nauseating. Especially the one guy there who just cant seem to stop blaming everything that went wrong this year on the DP’s
And by the way who are John Molinaro’s sources ? What a joke! I too have sources that tell me the Italians are committed , they want this team to succeed, just get them some players that know how to play at higher then a good pub league team level!!
So how did the club perform well against Philly without the addition of any new players if all the players around the Italians are pub league level?
You cannot blame everyone else when the team sucks and the Italians get credit when things go well. Do you remember Giovinco coming to TFC in 2015 when we still did not have a very good team. None of the Italians have performed like Giovinco or Altidore did in their first season with TFC.
Look at TFC in the first 10 games this season, they played way better (especially defensively) before Insigne came back from his injury in the first game.
This team had twice the number of clean sheets over wins prior to the last game. Ever seen a team have 6 clean sheets and only 4 wins in 27 games? Is that because of the terrible defence of the horrible offence (the Italians make up 2/3’s of the front line).
We need Isigne and Bernadeschi engaged and showing true leadership on and off the pitch. And as some of the highest paid players in MLS, they need to be held accountable for the teams performances (you don’t see Messi complaining about the young players around him). The more they while and complain, the less the probability that any good player from Europe will want to come waste their time here because nobody wants to go play on a toxic team.
Everyone jumped all over Altidore when he spoke to Armas about his decisions, but when the Italians do something like that it seems we extend them the attitude that “Their $hit does not stink”
The big difference in the game against Philly was Fede actually made more passes in that game then he has probably attempted in 5 previous games combined.
I am hoping Herdman can keep these two engaged because they have a copious amount of talent no doubt, but their attitude is just as important as their skills if we are to succeed.
Mollinaro is a very respected reporter of soccer in Canada and especially TFC. I trust his reporting.
Every story has 3 sides. Mine, Yours, and the Truth.
I’m sure some of the issues reported from behind the scenes have been a little exaggerated from both sides. There is still too much smoke around the Italians to absolve them of blame. Their play and body language on the pitch has always spoke louder than their words. Giovionco had his frustrations with the lack of talent around him, but he used his talents to make those around him better. I have yet to see Insigne or Fede have that impact with any consistency.
Thanks Jack, I listened to it again, you are correct about Brennan saying the walkout was a fabrication. I must have missed it since I listen at work and sometimes am not fully paying attention to the podcasts I listen to.
Ask Mr Burns, if he’d admit that Bradley added some experience to the defence.
Fan guy, If you equate an old and broken down footballer like Bradley to adding experience then I guess I do, but honestly there cannot be one TFC fan out there that wants to go into the next season with Mike anywhere near the starting lineup.
You mean anywhere near the team?
Good game, had it’s up and some downs. Like mentioned, bounces came out way. Team seemed to be on the same page which I have not seen in a very long time. Good passing which has been missed for awhile.
Sure had me wrong as I just assumed another lost was written. Glad I was wrong. Hopefully this keeps up.
Was out with some buds last night. We play soccer wed nights. Walked into our local for some wings and beers. Saw the game was on with 10 minutes left. We were all confused with the scoreline to say the least. Well done TFC! They played a great team game. Many players played well. Terry finally got a win. Well done coach. This fan still has hope that next season will be much better.
I’ve watched every game from the beginning of the season. Felt all the despair and frustration that came with it.
All I can say is that after so much disappointment, this win against a very good team felt euphoric! I feel so good for Terry as I know he’s a good guy that really wanted to gel the team and get some positive results with what he had to work with.
The way the team came together in that game was impressive. I’ll stick with them always regardless. Toronto till I die!!!!
What I enjoyed most about last night’s TFC victory was the kits they wore.
Was at the match last night and games scheduled during the Exhibition with a concert also at the Budweiser stage is just a stupid idea! Philadelphia looked trash, that blond defender gifted us two goals. Kerr was ok but by no means should start, Coello played well, Bradley looked lost a few times and he actually looks like it pains him when asked for a full on sprint. Kobe Franklin had a nice match but by no means is a Laryea replacement. Italians are the future of the club and will lead us going forward. Bernadeschi Man of the Match and Insigne looked like prime Maradona weaving around four Philadelphia players late in the second half. Oso looked better but really have my concerns. Petretta actually looked good again. Rosted bailed out Bradley twice. Jason Hernandez probably needs to bring in five players next year a 9 two CB’s and two midfielders with Ibarra leaving and my opinion that Oso has lost several steps.
If you say Insigne can play like Prime Maradona, then my expectation is that he should be able to contribute as much as Messi is right now. Is that a fair expectation?
You kept saying at the start of the season that Insigne would be a scoring leader, for me the only thing he’s leading is the most injured DP race.
This was a pleasant surprise! I couldnt see the game but beating Philly is no easy task so.. hopefully they can build on this! This team even with the current roster is capable to get good results, hopefully we start seeing them more consistently.
Great to hear Depeche Mode ringing out after the final whistle again! 🙂
*eluded (not alluded)
“I think he’s learning how to be a superstar in the league and how to be a top teammate and I think today we saw a lot of that.“ says Dunfield about Insigne.
That’s something Lorenzo should have had help figuring out over a year ago. It was Bob’s need to be the centre of the universe that prevented Lorenzo blossoming. Herdman will be the opposite with a team first approach and desire to see players rise to higher levels with full credit to their ability.
We saw Fede and Lorenzo shoot or not look when they had options attacking. Herdman will break that down with the team without belittling the players and that will change everything. This wasn’t a Herdman win but it was a sign the team has been waiting for a reason to be positive and engaged during turmoil.
I think Herdman is talking to Jason today about Ibarra being pursued permanently, he and Alonso are very creative in the centre of the pitch. There is no reason to ever move Michael back to midfield. A depth piece at centre back is how he can phase himself out as long as he has young legs beside him.
And let’s give credit to Terry for his lineup and subs. The only thing I’d change for next game is Gavran in goal and Cassius for Kerr for half the game.
“Cassius for Kerr”….really…the only one, who, when put into the 9 (not even his natural position) has created any flow with his much more expensive wingers all season long. Kerr just plays where he’s asked, puts in a shift and actually impacts the game when he plays…no other 9 has been close all year…the new guys have been underwhelming to start their Reds careers so far too…
Actually, Kerr has had lots of reps and is 3rd leading scorer. He would benefit from rotation so he is 100% at all times. He is often looked away from by the DP’s, so that reflects their confidence from daily training.
Cassius, when he played, was explosive, dynamic and attacking the net at all times. They are different styles and would cause teams to adjust significantly but likely not until they had been scored on. I’m not saying Kerr should be benched, I’m saying he should be developed into a top flight MLS striker over time.
I’m sorry if I’m looking at this as a coach who wants to develop a team on a continuum and not a fan saying “ooohhh, he played well”. What, exactly, are the players beyond the 11 there for? It’s a dynamic game.
I fully expect one of the DP’s will be gone by next season and having Cassius and Kerr experienced and ready is a pretty good option.
So Coach you say that you expect one of the DP’s gone, can I ask you why you believe this ? Is it because a Saudi team will make an offer or will John Herdman suggest to Manning that one or two of the DP’s are not a good fit for the way Herdman wants to play and MLSE should do whatever it takes to get rid of these players.
I think this because TFC is sensitive to the return on investment and will want to accept a buy option if it appears. They have not received what they paid for, regardless of the mess that contributed and they won’t accept their role. This sell option will be magnified if Herdman has them playing well, which will be hard to do with 3 games in October.
But, I also saw Insigne turn the ball over on many of his first half passes. So was he nervous playing in front of Herdman? Unlikely. Or he was indifferent, not sure but he was pretty competitive so I doubt it. Or he was trying too hard. Whatever the reason, Herdman was clear this is an evaluation phase and those turnovers won’t help.
I also think bringing in Cassius was a bit of a tell from Jason. He is essentially a wide attacking forward so where are they thinking he will play? I’m a believer that where there is smoke there is fire so ignoring The Athletic gossip we still hear far too much chatter about disconnect, unhappy, wanting to leave DP’s.
I don’t think they are unable to play, I think they have shown inconsistency at a time when leadership was needed. So I think Herdman will get them onside, honestly, but he won’t give them much time.
Geez Coach you saw many things wrong with Insigne’s game Wednesday night yet he made MLS matchday team of the week, HAHA. Well I think you can can strike Insigne off the list of players moving as MLSE has no interest in buying out any portion of his contract so it will take only the Saudis coming in for Lorenzo no matter what Herdman thinks. Bernadeschi would be less of a financial bath for MLSE to take but because right now Fede is playing some great football do you eat let’s say 50 percent of his contract and bring another 5 million dollar a year DP? The math doesn’t work! Again you need the Saudis. And Coach hold off on the excitement for Cassius, still early to tell.
If Lorenzo wants out and a good paycheck, he will have to play as a top player in the league day in and day out and maybe some Saudi team will offer him good money to come play for them.
Otherwise he will be with TFC (they won’t buy him out), but don’t be surprised if he’s benched if his attitude is not up to snuff. Same with Fede or any other player on the team.
Minutes should be given to players based on merit (based on how they perform in training and during games). That is the culture we want and must have regardless of a players name or pedigree.
Insigne and Fede benched!!! HAHAHA Herdman is no fool like your idol Bob Bradley! Fan guy when you drive a Ferrari you don’t take it to Mr Lube for service! Herdman will listen intently to the Italian DP’s like a 3 year old listens to his mother, Bob Bradley wanted to do it his way ignoring Insigne and Fede and look where he is now, same thing will happen to Herdman. This guy is a WOMAN’S COACH dont forget that , way to success around here is building around and listening to the Italians! End of story.
What I saw wrong with Insigne were turnovers. Team of Matchday is silly, like saying Puig had a superior goal to others. Insigne was ok, and engaged, but very casual in the 1st 30 minutes when in the ball.
And I do not expect MLSE to buy out the Italians, I expect Saudi Money to buy Insigne outright if he plays well.
I don’t see the DP’s as worthless or a waste, I see them underperforming and I see multiple reasons. Just like I hated how Seba treated the club when he left but I am open to him rejoining if he has something to contribute.
Cassius is someone I’m hopeful about and can’t be negative about yet. But he was explosive when he played. And the South African fans following him on TFC social media are plentiful and vocal.
Cassius was not in the line up due to injury I believe. Does anyone know what the status of his injury is?
I too believe that Cassius has the potential for succeeding based on his limited play.
Good guy Terry is officially no longer the worst manager in the history of football, finally getting a positive result.
They finally capitalized on the other team being bad.
Result and details of the MLS NEXT Pro game of Fri Sept 1/23 between Toronto FC II and New York Red Bulls II played at York Lions Stadium. Toronto born player scores twice…but he plays for Red Bulls.
http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports23/23tfc258.htm
Well said coach, my thoughts exactly on ghe DP’s. It is all about performance.
Play well and you will be praised.
Play poorly and you will be criticized.
That is not un-reasonable for a professional athlete in any sport.