Sunday, March 27, 2011

Martina scores a brace! TFC 2 Portland 0

A different story for Toronto FC after their home opener against the expansion Portland Timbers as the Reds reward their home fans for braving below-freezing temperatures to witness a victory in Toronto's fifth home opener at BMO Field.
Javier Martina excelled, the Dutch striker finally on the receiving end of some quality service. His ability to finish was evident, especially on the second goal - a spectacular half-volley that curled in off the post from 20 yards out.

Mikael Yourassowsky was sent off in the 80' as he received his second Yellow Card of the match for what appeared to be time-wasting. Despite this, Yourassowsky had a very strong game, and his box-to-box presence played a huge role in TFCs success.

Despite the scoreline, TFC experienced more of the same trouble with their transition game that plagued them in the season opener in Vancouver. Towards the end of the first half, TFC found themselves bottled up yet again in their own end. Aron Winter brought on newly acquired Alen Stevanovic to replace the again ineffective Nathan Sturgis and the difference was clear in the second half, as TFC was able to string together a number of impressive looking runs on transition.

Nana Attakora was not in the lineup, but Ty Harden played a much improved game from last week, and Adrian Cann did an exemplary job in keeping Kenny Cooper, at times literally, under wraps.

There is still a lot of room to improve for TFC, but this first victory is a solid step in the right direction. It will be very interesting to see what Stevanovic can do once he is more accustomed to his teammates, and over a full 90'. Julian De Guzman gets closer to returning each day, and his return will be a huge lift to this TFC squad.

Next match: April 2: vs. Chivas USA

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