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Toronto FC: 3 reasons why 2017 team is MLS’ best

By Andrew Dowdeswell

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 09: Alex Bono #25 of Toronto FC lifts the Championship Trophy after winning the 2017 MLS Cup Final against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field on December 9, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 09: Alex Bono #25 of Toronto FC lifts the Championship Trophy after winning the 2017 MLS Cup Final against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field on December 9, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 09: Sebastian Giovinco #10 of Toronto FC fights for the ball with Cristian Roldan #7 of the Seattle Sounders during the first half of the 2017 MLS Cup Final at BMO Field on December 9, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 09: Sebastian Giovinco #10 of Toronto FC fights for the ball with Cristian Roldan #7 of the Seattle Sounders during the first half of the 2017 MLS Cup Final at BMO Field on December 9, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

1. They played brilliant football

For all of the statistics and numbers and facts and figures, ultimately, as a football writer, analyst and lover, I trust what I see more than anything else. Using analytics and statistics is extremely important and helps to provide a great framework, but if they do not match the eye-test, questions must be asked of both processes.

And the 2017 iteration of Toronto FC, more than any other MLS team that I have seen, pass the eye test. In fact, only LAFC of 2019 match the Reds for offensive fluidity, midfield domination and defensive awareness and solidity. Greg Vanney’s team was far superior throughout the season. No one came close. You could see it from just watching the games.

Whether it was Sebastian Giovinco’s individual skill, the control and midfield mastery of Michael Bradley, or the artistry of Victor Vazquez allied with Jozy Altidore’s brute, bulldozing force, this Toronto FC team played some truly wonderful football, the best that I have seen an MLS team play.

Next. MLS: Top 5 French players in league history. dark

And that reason, more than any medals or trophies or statistics or facts is why, for me, they are the best team in MLS history.

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