TORONTO – O Captain! My Captain!
There is no doubting who is leading Toronto FC in these Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs: Michael Bradley, often the best player on the pitch and a vocal presence on the field, in the locker room, and with the media.
“He's been unbelievable the last two games,” said Drew Moor after Toronto's 2-0 win over New York City FC in the opening leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal on Sunday. “He's the engine of the team; great on both sides of the ball.”
Bradley has been at his best in TFC's two playoff wins, navigating both the Knockout Round against Philadelphia Union and the first of two against NYCFC in the space of four days.
“He was outstanding,” said Greg Vanney of his captain. “Very good with the ball, getting us out of things, [but] what I thought was really special about his performance tonight was how quickly he was getting to close, to double team.
“[NYCFC] have guys like, not just David Villa, but [Steven] Mendoza and [Jack] Harrison, who are very good dribblers; who are dangerous in one-on-one situations,” Vanney said. “Michael was there in a flash, to be the second defender, to help support our back three, picking up loose balls... doing a lot of the dirty work that doesn't catch the spotlight.
“He did an incredible job of covering ground, being in place to help snuff things out, and drive pressure. Phenomenal night, one of the best I've seen from him,” Vanney concluded.
Bradley's role isn't always reflected on the score sheet – though he did factor in both TFC goals on Sunday, playing in the free kick that led to Jozy Altidore's and swinging the ball wide to Nick Hagglund, who played the cross to Tosaint Ricketts – but his value is immeasurable, shutting down NYCFC's Villa and the Union's Tranquillo Barnetta, the attacking focal points of the opponent.
With 23 recoveries, nine tackles, and eight interceptions through two playoff matches, his influence on locking down the midfield, frustrating the opposition, and retaining possession is clear. And through 180-plus minutes of fierce competition, Bradley has committed just two fouls.
“That's the biggest game we've played. Every single guy who stepped on the field came through,” said Bradley. “It's not over; we're halfway through. [Now we] get ready to go to New York City (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, FS1 in the U.S., TSN in Canada) to finish the job.”
