Toronto FC: Are they automatically MLS Cup favourites?
Toronto FC looked straight back into their groove in a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. Are they now automatically MLS Cup favourites?
The 2017 iteration of Toronto FC is arguably the greatest MLS team in the history of the league. That is a statement that can never really be statistically and factually supported. Comparing eras is never really an easy or accurate thing to do.
Nevertheless, the thought that Toronto last season were a good team is obvious. They would not be mentioned in such a conversation if they weren’t.
Related Story: MLS: Top 5 things to watch in Week 10
But their defence of the MLS Cup did not quite start as fast as many had expected.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
There was a clear and viable reason for this: their burgeoning CONCACAF Champions League campaign demanded their full attention, a full attention that was duly afforded as Greg Vanney geared all his resources to it, sacrificing their domestic form.
But with the CCL now finished, and in agonising fashion, Toronto returned close to full strength on Friday night as they hosted the middling Philadelphia Union. It was never a tight match. They dominated from start to finish, running out comfortable 3-0 victors. And they did so with Sebastian Giovinco leading the line in the absence of Jozy Altidore.
So, does such an impressive and emphatic win immediately make Toronto MLS Cup favourites, even after their disparaging form prior to the victory? Well, in a nutshell, yes.
Now, there are some teams in excellent form this season. Atlanta United, after an early blip, are looking back to their brilliant attacking best; both New York teams are in good shape, even if the Red Bulls have just sent Patrick Vieira’s squad packing with a 4-0 victory in the first Hudson River derby of the season; FC Dallas took a long time to lose, even if they have been less inspiring in such performances; expansion side LAFC only strengthened with the addition of Lee Nguyen to an already formidable roster; the experienced and accomplished Sporting Kansas City have discovered goals and are quite enjoying them.
Next: Toronto FC Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things we learned
But even with all those teams showing promising form, for me, Toronto still waltz in as the favourites. They may not find it as easy as last season, but such is the strength of this squad, I struggle to see past them.