Week two of Toronto FC preseason began Monday with their second game in Florida that finished 0-0 in their first 90 minute match. Odense Boldklub of the Danish Superliga provided the opposition at the IMG Academies under almost ideal conditions with sunshine and a temperature of 76 degrees with a strong wind blowing at times.
The first half produced not much offensively for either side and it wasn't until almost half way through the first 45 did Toronto generate any good chances. Jeff Cunningham and Danny Dichio combined up front on a number of occasions but Odense keeper Anders Lindegaard stood his ground. Marvell Wynne playing on the right side of midfield made a number of very strong runs working out the Odense defence and showing his looks to be in fine form early on. 38th minute, Wynne out paced a number of the Danish side's players, eluding defenders to square the ball in front to Cunningham who mis-fired. Brian Edwards played the entire first half in goal for Toronto and did well to handle any shots coming his way.
Midfielders Maurice Edu and Carl Robinson arrived in Bradenton Sunday night and only played the first half as they re-joined their teammates for the first time this preseason. Coming on in place of Robinson was Tyler Rosenlund - who is on trial with TFC, while Edu came off in favour of one of Toronto's 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick's Pat Phelan. Also entering the game in the 2nd half was goalkeeper Greg Sutton.
The second half started with a good opportunity in the 47th on another run by Wynne, however his cross in front met no one, and the keeper was quick to pounce on it. Odense nearly took the lead minutes later off a corner - but Jim Brennan came to the rescue saving a quick shot off the line.
Jarrod Smith - with a header off the cross bar in the 69th - and Dichio in the 71st with a header that was corralled by the keeper each had chances to put Toronto on the board as the team did very well keeping constant pressure on the Odense backline. It was shortly after when Odense received a lucky break getting a penalty call after a tackle by Wynne. Chris Sorensen stepped up to take the shot, but his strike hit the post and stayed out, and the game finished 0-0.
Comments on the game...
Manager Mo Johnston: "I thought it was a very workmanlike team, I felt they were very organized, got behind the ball and we created a lot of chances. We pressed when we needed to; we defended when we needed to. It's not easy playing against European teams and it was a good exercise."
Head Coach John Carver: "I thought the first 10, 15 minutes we were off the pace, but that's not unusual because in fairness we've done no partner play yet, so you have to understand it's not there at the moment. The second half started I thought we had all the chances, then the last few minutes of the game we tired which is expected, we've only been here a week. But, I'm delighted with the overall fitness and the game itself."
Extra Time: Forward Collin Samuel is arriving in camp on Tuesday, and Canadian National goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar arrived late on Sunday and is now working out with the team on trial...The next game for Toronto will be Thursday, February 14th once again against Odense with a 11 a.m. start time...A name few may recall on the Danish side is Defender Thomas Helveg who spent many season's with AC Milan...TFC's preseason record is now 0-2-0 after drawing 1-1 with D.C. United last week...The team is still participating in two a day training sessions, with the afternoon session taking place in the gym instead of on the field...Jeff Cunningham is wearing jersey #96 in training, no word on whether that will be his "official" number for the 2008 season.
Toronto FC Lineup: Brian Edwards (Greg Sutton 46), Jim Brennan, Tryone Marshall, Julius James, Tyler Hemming (Jarrod Smith 60), Todd Dunivant (Gabe Gala 87), Carl Robinson (Tyler Rosenlund 46), Maurice Edu (Pat Phelan 46), Marvell Wynne, Danny Dichio, Jeff Cunningham (Jamie Watson 60)
