Toronto FC’s time in Bradenton, Florida is almost over.
The Reds have one more game in the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic on Saturday before returning to Toronto the following day.
Though their competition isn’t a MLS Club —the Reds will face the u-23 Costa Rican national team— it will give the projected starting lineup one more chance to player in a competitive setting before the season opener in Vancouver on March 7th.
Thursday’s training session culminated in a scrimmage between the starters and Toronto FC II, the club’s USL squad.
The senior Reds prevailed 4-0. Thursday’s training session began with head coach Greg Vanney instructing the starting XI as a unit. Tactically it appears the 4-2-3-1 formation that TFC began the preseason with could shift to a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2. What was made clear during the scrimmage is that there will be flexibility.
Robbie Findley scored twice, while Jonathan Osorio and Sebastian Giovinco also added goals of their own.
Findley’s opening goal was made possible by Warren Creavalle’s superb cross. Osorio received the ball in the middle of the park before finding Creavalle streaking down the right wing. Though he’s spent most of the preseason on the left, Osorio appeared to be used as a jack of all trades during the scrimmage.
Vanney and the coaching staff want to utilize the specific talents their squad offers.
“There’s a lot of creativity on this team,” said Findley following training. “It’s just putting those final pieces together to make sure everything is the way we want it to be."
Findley is clearly getting more comfortable with the tendencies of his new teammates, but that process is ongoing.
“It’s come a long way,” Findley continued. “With those caliber of players it doesn’t take too long to get on the same page and know what you have to do and know what your role is.”
Saturday’s fixture will provide the starters one more opportunity to get real minutes in Florida.
Perquis settles in
Damien Perquis will be reunited with some familiar faces that he’s missed quite a bit over the past month when he gets back to Toronto on Sunday.
Perquis’ wife and two children will greet him when he gets back to the Big Smoke. The family plans to set up shop in Toronto, with the kids already enrolled in school.
The adjustment process to life on the road with his new teammates has been made easier by the presence of Benoit Cheyrou.
“I spend my [free] time with my new brother Benoit,” said Perquis while sporting a wide grin.
The Polish international is also spending time with his partner at the back, Steven Caldwell.
“We need to speak a lot because we play together,” he continued. The accent barrier is less fortified than it was a fortnight ago, but Perquis believes Caldwell is a little further ahead.
“I think it’s easier for him to understand me, but day-by-day we’re trying to understand each other more.”
Up next
The Reds will train on Friday in preperation for Saturday afternoon's fixture. Expect to see a starting lineup of Bendik; Creavalle, Perquis, Caldwell, Morrow; Bradley, Cheyrou, Osorio; Findley, Altidore, Giovinco.
